Peru's Congress Creates Over 60 Public Universities Since 2020, Many Exist Only on Paper

Since 2020, Peru's Congress has established more than 60 public universities, a move intended to expand educational opportunities. This surge in new institutions is largely driven by legislative policies, including Law N.° 32461, which empowers the creation of these universities.

However, this rapid expansion has drawn criticism from education experts. Former Minister of Education Idel Vexler has voiced concerns, arguing that the creation of these universities is not adequately supported by thorough planning or sufficient resources. This suggests a potential disconnect between legislative intent and practical execution.

The core of the criticism lies in the sustainability and quality of these newly formed institutions. Without proper infrastructure, faculty, and funding, the universities risk existing only on paper, failing to provide the quality education they are meant to offer. This situation raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of such policies and their impact on the national education system.

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This creation [of universities] is not supported by planning and resources.