President Daniel Noboa visits University of Cuenca amid student protests

President Daniel Noboa visited the University of Cuenca to inspect the site for the “Casa U” National University Residence Program. This initiative, involving an investment of USD 3.56 million, aims to provide free, secure housing for 408 low-income students to support their academic continuity.

The visit was met with protests organized by the Federation of University Students of Ecuador (FEUE). Students held demonstrations on the Balzay campus, expressing grievances regarding education, public health, security, and workers' rights. The protests were marked by a heavy deployment of police and military personnel in the area.

Demonstrators reported tensions with security forces, including allegations of the use of pepper spray to disperse crowds. While the University Council had authorized the visit for the technical inspection of the residence site, student leaders and opposition legislators criticized the government's heavy security presence, arguing it undermines university autonomy.