Students perform to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the University of Kara project in Kara, Togo, on April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

KARA, Togo, May 2 (Xinhua) -- In the northern Togolese city of Kara, atop land that was once barren, a cluster of modern vermillion buildings now stands in striking contrast against the lush green canopy.

On April 24, the completion ceremony for Phase I of the University of Kara project, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), was held. Hailed by the local government as a "foundation for the future," the project marks a qualitative leap in the university's infrastructure and serves as a microcosm of pragmatic cooperation between China and Togo in the field of infrastructure development.

As Togo's second public university, the University of Kara has carried the dreams of students in the country's northern region since its establishment in 2004. However, for years, the institution faced developmental bottlenecks, with students crowded into temporary facilities and faculty struggling with a severe shortage of classrooms and office space.

"Learning conditions were severely impacted; the school was in dire need of new momentum for development," an official university document described the previous predicament.

The cornerstone for Phase I was laid in April 2023. Following a dedicated construction period, the modern complex-spanning a total floor area of approximately 18,000 square meters-was delivered as scheduled.

The site features a dignified administrative building, three specialized teaching wings for the Faculties of Medicine, Agriculture, and Science and Technology, and a student canteen designed with distinct African architectural characteristics.

Walking through the new North Campus, the precision of the steel structures harmonizes with a vibrant color palette. Chen Jijun, the project manager, noted that the construction integrated extensive Chinese technology and products, leaving behind a mark of "Chinese Wisdom."

Li Yunpeng, the project's technical manager, explained that while the design followed French standards, the construction team successfully integrated multiple technical benchmarks.

"From communication systems to precision aluminum alloy steel structures and a comprehensive CCTV surveillance network, the infusion of Chinese technical elements enhanced the buildings' technological profile and earned high praise from the university," he added.

Local employees highlighted the Chinese team's rigorous work ethic and commitment to professional mentorship. Koffi Sakinzou, a Togolese technician, reflected on how the Chinese enterprise transformed his career path.

"With the help of my Chinese mentors, I grew from a manual laborer into a technical backbone capable of independently maintaining generators and transformers," he said.

The new environment has energized the student body. "These buildings are magnificent," said Roseline Amedifou, a 19-year-old sophomore English major. "This new campus gives me the confidence to take on the world. We will prove our value through our actions."

"These fully functional buildings do more than just expand physical space; they provide new meaning to teaching, scientific research, and social services," said Togo's Minister of National Education, Mama Omorou. "We are planning for a future built on rigor, knowledge, and long-term development," he added.

Prenam Houzou-Mouzou, President of the University of Kara, revealed that the improved hardware has allowed for more strategic academic planning. The Faculty of Medicine will now offer pharmacy majors, the Faculty of Agriculture will establish an innovation center for farming and animal husbandry, and the Faculty of Science and Technology will train experts in industrial maintenance.

She spoke highly of the partnership: "The professionalism and rigor of the Chinese enterprise led to this success. We hope to continue such cooperation in the future."

In Kara, CHEC acted not only as a builder but as a "good neighbor." Chen noted that to avoid disrupting classes, the project implemented "silent construction" measures and built temporary safety passages for staff and students.

"At its peak, the project provided over 800 direct jobs and indirectly supported more than 2,000 local livelihoods, with local staff accounting for over 90 percent of the workforce," he added.

Komlan Adjitowou, governor of the Kara region, regarded the project as a "milestone" for regional development. "In recent years, our region has continuously promoted major infrastructure projects. Chinese enterprises have significantly improved basic public services, greatly benefiting our people," he said.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the university's new halls, this "Beacon of Wisdom" does more than light the path for students in northern Togo. It stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and burgeoning infrastructure cooperation between China and Togo. ■

Togo's Minister of National Education Mama Omorou delivers a speech during the completion ceremony for Phase I of the University of Kara project in Kara, Togo, on April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

This photo taken on April 24, 2026 shows the gate of the new North Campus of the University of Kara in Kara, Togo. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

A drone photo taken on April 24, 2026 shows a view of the new North Campus of the University of Kara, in Kara, Togo. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

Li Yunpeng (L), technical manager of Phase I of the University of Kara project, poses for a photo with a local student in Kara, Togo, on April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

Prenam Houzou-Mouzou, President of the University of Kara, delivers a speech during the completion ceremony for Phase I of the University of Kara project in Kara, Togo, on April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

A drone photo taken on April 24, 2026 shows a view of the new North Campus of the University of Kara, in Kara, Togo. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)