Lebanese University professors announce strike over tenure and leadership issues

The Executive Body of the Association of Full-Time Professors at the Lebanese University has announced a strike scheduled for September 29 and 30, 2026, across all university units and branches. The strike is a response to several urgent unresolved issues, most notably the file regarding the tenure of hourly contract professors.

The professors' association stated that delays in approving tenure create job instability and weaken the university's ability to fulfill its national educational mission. They emphasized that tenure must be granted based on academic competence and transparency, while maintaining national balance and the ‘covenant of coexistence.’

Additional administrative challenges facing the institution include the upcoming expiration of President Bassam Badrane's term on October 12. The process for selecting candidates for the presidency remains stalled, with the list of nominees currently held by Education Minister Rima Karami. Furthermore, the appointment of deans remains complicated, and the tenure issue continues to be impacted by debates over sectarian balance and funding.