On Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that given Cuba's challenging circumstances, the easier path would have been to delay the start of the new university semester. However, he insisted that opening the classrooms amidst the crisis represents "the most revolutionary act" and even suggested that the academic year could excel in terms of quality.
The Cuban leader made these remarks during the national event marking the start of the 2026-2027 higher education academic year, held at the University of Matanzas, according to the official Cuban Presidency's website.
"The most revolutionary thing is to begin the semester under these conditions; we are not starting a semester out of obligation. We are doing so because we believe that this semester, despite the circumstances, has the potential to be of higher quality," Díaz-Canel declared.
Struggling Against the Odds
He portrayed the reopening of universities as a "symbol of a nation that refuses to give up," even though the new school year is hindered by extensive blackouts, transportation issues, and other shortages stemming from the country's severe economic and energy crisis.
University officials have had to implement hybrid and semi-attendance learning models, tailored to the energy conditions of each region, as power outages in many parts of Cuba can exceed 20 hours daily.
Challenges Facing Educators
The deteriorating working conditions have also driven many educators to leave for the private sector or emigrate, while low salaries make it challenging to retain professionals within the educational system.
Despite these hurdles, Díaz-Canel urged students not to let these deficiencies serve as an excuse for poor academic performance.
"Do not use any of the shortcomings we may face as a justification for a lack of knowledge or poor academic outcomes," he stated.
Political Rhetoric Amid Crisis
He also attributed much of the crisis to the U.S. embargo: "Let not the economic and social crisis they are trying to impose through an intensified blockade and energy restrictions ever become a spiritual or educational crisis."
The leader labeled the start of classes as an "act of educational, scientific, and cultural resistance," asserting it as "our response to the colonial and cultural domination they want to impose on us."
During the event, Minister of Higher Education Walter Baluja García announced that over 40,000 new students are joining Cuban universities this semester.
Baluja echoed the political narrative to justify continuing classes: "What university in the world, under the conditions our universities face, amid constant brain drain and an overwhelming ideological struggle, could show such a strong conviction in its social responsibility?"
Controversy and Criticism
The semester's commencement follows the government's decision to eliminate the traditional entrance exams for higher education this year, opting instead to use pre-university academic scores as the main criterion for career placement.
The reopening of classrooms has sparked criticism among Cubans on social media, questioning the disparity between official rhetoric about education and the material conditions students and teachers face as classes begin. Similar comments arose this week after Díaz-Canel once more portrayed the semester's start as one of the Revolution's "achievements."
Following the event at the University of Matanzas, Díaz-Canel toured the province's Scientific-Technological Park, where he learned about projects involving artificial intelligence applied to sports, tourism, and efficient energy use.
Understanding Cuba's Educational Challenges
Why did Díaz-Canel decide to start the university semester despite the crisis?
Díaz-Canel believed that beginning the semester during the crisis was a revolutionary act and could potentially improve the quality of education, despite the challenging circumstances.
What measures have universities taken to cope with power outages?
Universities have adopted hybrid and semi-attendance learning models, tailored to the energy conditions of each area, to manage the extensive power outages affecting many parts of Cuba.
How has the economic crisis affected Cuban educators?
The crisis has worsened working conditions, prompting many educators to move to the private sector or emigrate, while low salaries make it difficult to retain educational professionals.