Venezuelan universities register a 60% reduction in student enrollment

Sociologist Carlos Meléndez, director of the Observatory of Universities (OBU), revealed that the Main Venezuelan educational institutions have recorded a reduction of up to 60% in their student enrollment in the last 12 yearsthat is, between 2012 and 2024.

In an interview with Circuito Éxitos 99.9 FM, Meléndez explained that one of the main reasons why young Venezuelans between 17 and 24 years of age decide not to pursue higher education studies is that They can earn better incomes with some non-professional jobs.

“A university degree does not guarantee you better living conditions, better conditions for professional growth in general, or better opportunities,” said the director of the OBU.

He pointed out that in addition to the situation faced by many university graduates in the country, there is a global generational phenomenon of opting for new professions motivated by the impact of information and communication technology.

Meléndez pointed out that 7 out of 10 university students must work to pay for their studies and basic needs, which makes choosing a career even more difficult.

33% of Venezuelan university professors eat less than 3 times a day

Meléndez said that the university sector has not only been affected in enrollment. He indicated that between 2018 and 2023, 33% of teachers in this sector eat less than three times a dayaccording to OBU study.

Regarding infrastructure, the professor stressed that there is a notable inequality between public and private universities. He pointed out that one of the most alarming data is that 90% of students at private universities have functional bathrooms, while 85% of students at public universities do not have one.

He urged government authorities to work towards the recovery of the country’s universities.