More than 40 universities could close in Afghanistan after the Taliban ban on access to education

16 Jan. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Association of Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions of Afghanistan has warned the Taliban government of closing more than 40 universities in the country if female students are not allowed to study, alleging economic infeasibility due to the lack of students.

According to those responsible for this union, more than 5,000 employees of private universities have been left without work after the closure of the universities to girls after the Taliban vote at the end of 2022, as reported by the Afghan chain Tolo News.

As detailed by the association’s spokesman, Mohammad Karim Naseri, if a solution is not determined or the measure is reversed, many universities will not have the financial capacity to continue open, threatening that educational entities will transfer their funds abroad if the situation continues.

At the same time, some heads of private universities have stated that if girls are not allowed to study, they will close their universities “forever”, according to the aforementioned chain.

“Universities and other big investments in Afghanistan have turned a part of the country’s economy into a rotation, naturally they will stop their investments, some of them will transfer their capital and others will fall naturally,” said the founder of a famous educational complex. in the country, Azizullah Amir.

Meanwhile, several university professors and female students have expressed their wish that the Taliban government reconsider its decision and remove restrictions on girls’ education.

Fazl Hadi Vezin, a university professor consulted by Tolo News, has asserted that closing the doors of universities and higher education centers to girls “has not only left a great impact on academic centers, but has also seriously affected the activities economics of this sector”.

For her part, Ayesha, a student, has stated that the only request of the women is to open the universities and allow women to continue their education.

The Ministry of Higher Education, led by Mullah Neda Mohamed Nadim, issued a statement on December 20 urging to suspend the admission of women to higher educational institutions.

Since then, various human rights organizations have denounced the action, stating that “the Taliban make it clear every day that they do not respect the fundamental rights of Afghans, especially women.”