During the commemorative ceremony for the 39th anniversary of the University of Beira Interior (UBI), Rector Mário Raposo acknowledged that although financial corrections to the university’s funding have begun, their completion is only expected by 2027. He noted that UBI, headquartered in Covilhã, remains the least financed per student.
“We hope that UBI will be able to establish a program contract with the Government to make necessary investments for its expansion and the requalification of its assets, as it is a matter of justice for our university,” emphasized the rector.
Mário Raposo, who is not seeking re-election, highlighted the “tremendous lack of equity” for the institution’s students.
The rector pointed out that underfunding over 16 years has hindered the university’s investments.
“I cannot help but regret that this process has harmed our institution for over a decade and a half, and that UBI will never be compensated for the amounts to which it was entitled, estimated at over 40 million euros, affecting its development and competitiveness,” stated Mário Raposo.
The head of the university, located in Covilhã, Castelo Branco district, expressed satisfaction with the beginning of budgetary corrections, with funding increasing from 26 million euros in 2021 to 39 million euros by 2025.
“We have not yet reached the actual budget we are entitled to, but we have made great progress, thanks to our advocacy efforts,” he remarked.
According to Mário Raposo, UBI receives 1,533 euros per student, below the national average of 1,746 euros and well below the 1,978 euros at the highest-financed university on the continent.
In his speech, the rector announced that this year a competition will be launched for the creation of the Robotic Surgery Simulation Center at the Faculty of Health Sciences, “a small addition” rather than the desired construction of a new building.
The procedure for remodeling the Santo António Canteen was opened this month, and the expansion of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, which “urgently needs new facilities,” is in the planning phase.
The President of the General Council of UBI, João Casteleiro, stated that the university “is not just a place of teaching and research, it is a beacon of development.”
The 39th anniversary of UBI was also marked by the awarding of an honorary doctorate to the CEO of BPI Bank, part of the CaixaBank Group, João Pedro Oliveira e Costa.
“We are dealing with an outstanding person due to his talent, rigor, responsibility, leadership ability, and a human being with greatness in ethical, professional, relational, and solidarity principles, with a vision for future sustainability,” supported the rector.
The institution, as pointed out by Mário Raposo, has over 10,000 students across all degrees.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis.
