# Ecuadorian government university infrastructure initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-government-university-infrastructure-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-16T16:41:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Ecuadorian government, led by President Daniel Noboa, has initiated several infrastructure projects aimed at supporting public higher education. In Cuenca, the administration introduced the “Casa U” National University Residence Program, a USD 3.56 million investment designed to provide free housing for 408 low-income students. This visit to the University of Cuenca was met with protests from the Federation of University Students of Ecuador (FEUE), who demonstrated against issues regarding education, health, security, and workers' rights. These demonstrations involved heavy police and military presence, leading to allegations of pepper spray use and criticisms from student leaders regarding threats to university autonomy. Following these developments, the government expanded its focus to the Manabí province, investing approximately USD 2 million in a new building for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Universidad Técnica de Manabí. This project aims to provide classrooms and offices for students across 11 degree programs, as part of broader infrastructure expansions in Bahía de Caráquez, Santa Ana, and Chone. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Ecuador invests USD 2 million in Manabí university infrastructure President Daniel Noboa inspected a new USD 2 million university building project in Manabí, Ecuador, designed to benefit 5,000 students across 11 academic programs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-invests-usd-2-million-in-manab-university-infrastructure ### 2026-10-07: President Daniel Noboa visits University of Cuenca amid student protests President Daniel Noboa visited the University of Cuenca to inspect a new USD 3.56 million student residence project, an event met by student protests and heavy security deployment. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/students-protest-president-daniel-noboas-visit-to-university-of-cuenca --- Cite as: Ecuadorian government university infrastructure initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-government-university-infrastructure-initiatives