According to the 2024 annual report of the Interim Executive Council (IEC), five higher education universities have been established in areas under IEC administration in Karenni State.
These universities are led by professors and subject specialists who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
Khan Yu James, Deputy Director (2) of the IEC Education Department, stated that collaborations are being carried out to plan and fund these universities.
“We are working to ensure that all these are being developed to meet international standards and achieve high-quality education. We are also working together to ensure that all schools, students, and teachers meet quality assurance standards. Experts are also involved in consultations and discussions,” said Khan Yu James.
The five universities established under IEC administration include Phanson (Art and Sciences) University, Education Degree College, University of Technology, Medical College, and Nursing University.
These institutions are managed by CDM staff. However, IEC reported that financial support is still limited, and while some universities receive funding, regular salaries for staff have not yet been provided.
Discussions are underway to collaborate with these schools on research initiatives and scholarship programs. Additionally, plans are in place to establish a multidisciplinary university, according to Khan Yu James.
“We have already formed a Higher Education Committee in collaboration with all these institutions. One of our future plans is to draft a chapter for establishing a multidisciplinary university,” he added.
Currently, the five universities have a total of 310 students and 112 faculty members.
Meanwhile, in Loikaw, the military regime is also working on reconstruction projects and has reopened several higher education institutions, including Loikaw University of Technology (GTC), Computer University, Education Degree College, Nursing School, and Government Technical Institute. The regime has also announced plans to reopen Loikaw University.
