President Daniel Noboa Azin inaugurated the new graduate faculty building at the Technical University of Manabí on April 8, accompanied by Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Gilda Alcívar. The event included a tour of the facilities, which aim to enhance educational opportunities in the region.
The opening of this new facility is significant for higher education in Manabí. It represents an investment in academic infrastructure that supports advanced studies and professional development within the province.
“This is part of what we are changing in education: that no one has to stop halfway. We work every day so you can keep moving forward and reach wherever you set your sights,” President Noboa said during his speech. He explained that the project involved an investment of USD 2.5 million, funded through national government allocations to public universities. “It’s not just about support; it’s about opportunities that didn’t exist before,” he said.
Santiago Quiroz, rector of UTM, thanked officials for expanding opportunities for local professionals with a diverse public offering supported by state funding. He said, “the university in these last two years has received a significant improvement in its budget. We have received more than USD 15 million in budget allocation.” The modern building features classrooms and offices designed to facilitate master’s and doctoral programs, marking a milestone for academic growth at UTM.
President Noboa also highlighted other initiatives benefiting young people in Manabí. He stated that nearly 27,000 scholarships and academic supports have been provided across the province—over 60 percent awarded to women—and noted that young entrepreneurs have received USD 59.5 million in loans to boost their projects and generate employment.
“If we want to change our country’s history, the only way is to have better-prepared young people ready to build an Ecuador that is strong and can compete equally with the world,” Noboa said.
