In a formal step to expand public higher education access across western Haiti, the country’s Ministry of National Education has officially ordered the creation of a specialized transitional committee to oversee the launch of the new Public University of the West (Université Publique de l’Ouest, UPO), scheduled for rollout in 2026.
Announced via a ministerial decision issued on June 10, 2026, the move follows a May 15, 2026 ministerial circular that formally established the UPO by merging three existing regional educational institutions: the Training Center for the Fundamental School (CFEF), the National School of Applied Geology (ENGA), and the National Higher School of Technology (ENST). Education Minister Vijonet Déméro emphasized the urgent need for a temporary governing body to manage the administrative, academic, and logistical groundwork required to stand up the new unified university, leading to the formalization of the ad hoc committee under the oversight of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP).
The seven-member committee brings together cross-sector representation from existing institutions, regional stakeholders, and ministerial leadership to ensure balanced input during the transition. Carole Berotte Joseph, a consultant in the Minister’s Office, will serve as committee president, while Michelet Clerveau, a member of the Minister’s Cabinet, will act as committee secretary. The directors of the three merging institutions will each lead academic portfolio for their respective fields: Ronald Jacques Jean of CFEF will oversee education academic affairs, Michael Saimbertil of ENGA will lead on earth sciences academic affairs, and Dieudonné Delva of ENST will handle academic affairs for technology and technical sectors. Two regional educator representatives round out the committee: Yvener Desrosiers for the Palmes Region and Edmy Victor for the Island of Gonâve. The committee is also authorized to recruit additional technical experts as needed to fulfill its mandate.
The committee carries a clear set of core responsibilities spanning four key workstreams to prepare the UPO for full operation. On the administrative side, members will conduct a full audit of all physical assets, equipment, and human resources from the three merging institutions, then draft a set of transitional internal bylaws to govern the new university during its early phase. Academically, the task force will harmonize overlapping curricula from the predecessor institutions and validate teaching frameworks for two new planned Higher and Technical Education Centers (CEST) located on the Island of Gonâve and in the Palmes Region. Financially, the committee will develop a detailed projected budget for the university’s first full fiscal year, covering both initial setup and ongoing operating costs. Logistically, members will assess and map existing physical infrastructure to accommodate the UPO’s new regional campuses.
The committee’s mandate is scheduled to run for four months, from June 5, 2026, through October 5, 2026, with a one-time extension permitted if the transition requires additional time. The mandate will automatically terminate once the UPO’s permanent Board of Directors and rectorate are officially appointed and installed. To ensure transparency and accountability to the ministry, the committee is required to submit monthly progress reports to the Minister’s Office, followed by a full comprehensive final report at the conclusion of its work. The ministerial decision went into effect immediately upon its publication.
The creation of the UPO marks a key investment in expanding accessible public higher education across western Haiti, integrating existing regional training institutions into a unified public university structure that will serve both the Palmes Region and the Island of Gonâve.