Socotra student protests escalate over closure of Island’s only university

SOCOTRA, Jan. 29 (YPA) – Student protests in the Socotra Archipelago, southern Yemen, entered their third consecutive day on Thursday, following a decision by the University Council to shut down the institution.

The closure has resulted in a sudden academic paralysis affecting approximately 800 students.

Participants in the rally held banners describing the closure as an “execution of their academic future,” calling for immediate intervention to resume classes unconditionally. Students criticized the “unilateral” nature of the decision, noting that it disregards the harsh economic conditions and the total lack of educational alternatives within the archipelago.

The protesters held relevant authorities legally and morally responsible for depriving them of their right to education, urging a transparent dialogue to address the root causes of the shutdown.

Observers warn that a prolonged crisis could lead to the complete collapse of the university sector in the province, threatening long-term social and cultural repercussions for the region.

YPA