#Libya #Benghazi #Khalifa Haftar #Libyan Education #Benghazi University

The Grand Reopening of the University of Benghazi

On September 4, 2026, a significant event unfolded in Libya as the University of Benghazi reopened its doors after an astonishing 11-year hiatus. This momentous occasion not only symbolized a revitalization of higher education in the country but also marked the breaking of three Guinness World Records.

This ambitious reopening followed an extensive reconstruction project spearheaded by the Libyan Fund for Development and Reconstruction, under the meticulous supervision of engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar. Once a bustling academic institution, the university had been rendered inactive due to extensive damage during conflicts between Libyan armed forces and terrorist groups.

A Vision Realized

Engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar, who oversaw the project in meticulous detail, transformed what began as a personal dream into an educational landmark. Over the course of just three years, a modern, integrated university campus was brought back to life, designed to cater to the needs of today's students while laying the groundwork for future generations. This renovation was not merely cosmetic; it was an ambitious undertaking that involved the complete reconstruction of faculties and facilities across the university.

Known as the “Mother of Libyan Universities,” the University of Benghazi is one of the country’s oldest and largest educational institutions, serving nearly 100,000 students. It has historically offered free education and developed generations of scientists, academics, and leaders who have shaped Libya's institutional landscape.

Features of the Revitalized Campus

The renovation encompassed numerous faculties including engineering, humanities, law, sciences, and languages, in addition to essential infrastructure such as the central library, administrative offices, laboratories, student housing, service facilities, and pathways within the campus.

The Celebration

The grand reopening attracted prominent Libyan figures, international ambassadors, and around 240 foreign guests. Under the leadership of Marshal Khalifa Haftar and engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar, attendees were treated to spectacular 3D projections and state-of-the-art visual effects. A remarkable drone show displayed formations in the sky, culminating in the establishment of three Guinness World Records for:
1. A formation spelled out in the shape of an eagle.
2. A plume of drones writing “University of Benghazi” across the heavens.
3. An aerial display depicting a symbol of peace.

In addition to rebuilding the physical structure of the university, the Fund has also prioritized human capital development, sending over 1,000 students abroad for further studies. This holistic approach marries the physical reconstruction of educational facilities with investment in human resources, building a brighter future for the country.

The Broader Impact

The reopening represents much more than just revitalizing a single institution. It is a critical step in rejuvenating one of Libya's most iconic scientific and historical landmarks, ensuring its central role in national life. The University of Benghazi’s reopening reflects a broader commitment to rebuilding not only institutions in Benghazi but also across Eastern and Southern Libya, having already initiated over 2,300 development projects.

These initiatives include the restoration of universities and educational establishments in Kufra, Al Bayda, Derna, Al Marj, Ajdabiya, Sirte, Brak al-Shati, and Murzuq, along with around 250 schools. Thus, the return of the University of Benghazi to active status is both a re-establishment of academic tradition and a hopeful signal towards a future brimming with educational and social development in Libya.