Luanda: The Rector of Agostinho Neto University (UAN), Pedro Magalhes, has called on the government to organize regular public competitions to address the shortage of researchers in the institution's organic units. Speaking to the press during a visit by the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperan§a da Costa, to several UAN faculties, Magalhes revealed that the university currently employs only 45 researchers, which is insufficient for its operational needs.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Magalhes emphasized the necessity of increasing the university's staff by at least 50% as per its organic statute, although he did not specify the current number of employees. He also expressed concerns about the deteriorating infrastructure of the university, which has suffered over time.
Magalhes highlighted the presence of equipment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the university's laboratories but noted the need for more research centers of excellence and technical staff to bolster scientific research. He considered the Vice-President's visit as a positive indication of a closer relationship between the academic community and the government, reflecting a shared focus on national development through education.
He further mentioned that the visit provided an opportunity for UAN's researchers, students, and non-teaching staff to showcase their accomplishments and aspirations, facilitating the development of a comprehensive university development plan that aligns with the country's progress goals.
Agostinho Neto University was founded in 1976 and is the largest university in Angola, a reference in higher education in the country. It offers more than 90 courses in the areas of engineering, social sciences, law, economics, literature and medicine.
