Bahia gains two more federal universities.
President Dilma Rousseff signed into law this Wednesday the creation of four federal universities in the country; in the state, the new ones are the Federal University of Western Bahia (UFOB) and the Federal University of Southern Bahia (UFESBA); "Creating universities is an important act because, in addition to creating opportunities, it has a transformative effect on people, regions and the country," said Dilma.
Luana Lourenço
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – President Dilma Rousseff signed into law this Wednesday (5) a bill that creates four more federal universities in the country: the University of Southern and Southeastern Pará (Unifesspa), the University of Western Bahia (UFOB), the University of Southern Bahia (UFESBA) and the University of Cariri (UFCA), in Ceará. Together, the four institutions will have 145 courses and will open 38,3 new places for students.
According to Dilma, the new higher education institutions in the North and Northeast of the country will play a relevant role in reducing regional inequalities. "When we carried out this selection process, we looked closely at the issue of the university's capacity to impact a particular region. We believe that the potential of a region develops and expands when it creates educational opportunities for that population, enabling them to transform reality," said the president in a speech after signing the decree creating the universities.
In 2002, according to government figures, there were federal university campuses in 114 municipalities, a number that has risen to 275 this year. "These are municipalities that account for a significant portion of the Brazilian population, but that doesn't mean we should stop here. This process will continue, and it will be complemented by technical schools and federal institutes," added Dilma.
With the four new institutions, the number of federal universities in the country will reach 63, said the Minister of Education, Aloizio Mercadante.
The Federal University of Cariri will offer 27 courses and is expected to receive 6,5 students, with campuses in the municipalities of Juazeiro do Norte, Barbalha, and Crato.
With the Federal University of Western Bahia, in addition to its main campus in Barreiras, there will be campuses in Bom Jesus da Lapa, Barra, and Santa Maria da Vitória. In total, there will be 35 courses and 7,9 students.
The Federal University of Southern Bahia will offer 36 courses for 11,1 students at its main campus in Itabuna and at its campuses in the municipalities of Porto Seguro and Teixeira de Freitas.
In the Northern Region, the Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará will have campuses in Marabá, Rondon do Pará, Santana do Araguaia, São Félix do Xingu, and Xinguara. The new institution will be able to accommodate 12,8 students and will offer 47 courses.
Watch the president's speech below: