● <B>Why has the ministry of Education asked state colleges space for university students? </B>

Each year, the number of admissions at the University of Mauritius (UoM) rises. This year, the increase may be even more important considering the regular statements of minister Gokhool on democratising tertiary education and opening it to more school leavers. Last year, the UoM enrolled 2,600 new recruits and this year hundreds more are expected. The UoM has also launched a new branch this year, which should increase even more the intake.

● <B>What is this new branch about? </B>

The Mauritius International Business School (MIBS) is a partnership between the UoM and the Mauritius Employers? Federation that will propose fee-paying courses to its students. It is expected to increase the university?s funds. Those students will be given courses on the campus in Réduit, which aggravates the space problem.

● <B> Isn?t it simpler to provide new infrastructure to a growing university? </B>

The main problem is that the financial situation of the UoM is not very good. The university has faced hard times recently and it cannot invest in new buildings even if it has a plot of land in Réduit. The resort to colleges has appeared as the last resort to give a greater number of students access to tertiary education.