Venezuelan universities face service collapse and leadership crises

Major Venezuelan universities are facing severe institutional and operational crises as new academic terms begin. At the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), students and leaders report a collapse in essential services, including closed dining halls and paralyzed transportation due to fuel and spare part shortages. Student representatives have denounced a lack of budget and criticized the Ministry of University Education for failing to address basic needs such as scholarship increases.

Simultaneously, the community at Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB) is demanding elections to replace interim authorities. Student, faculty, and alumni groups are calling for transparency regarding financial resources and the management of campus events. Leaders at USB noted a drastic decline in enrollment, falling from 20,000 to fewer than 3,000 students, citing a lack of academic conditions and faculty. The Ministry of University Education has reportedly denied requests to hold these elections, further fueling concerns over institutional legitimacy and autonomy.