After the 2011 uprisings that overthrew and killed Muammar Gaddafi, Benghazi University became the scene of intense fighting between jihadist groups and forces led by Khalifa Haftar.
Founded in 1955, the Libyan institution is currently in ruins. Its approximately 70,000 students are still attending classes in temporary facilities, while a vast, brand-new campus is due to open in the fall.
“Since 2016, what has changed, and what is also remarkable, is that we can see young people actually living their dreams. So if someone dreams, if they are ambitious, it is easy for them to achieve what they want. It is therefore easier today to plan something and obtain it. But before, no. There were limits. Between 2014 and 2016, it was not possible to do exactly what we wanted. So, the door was simply closed to us. It was truly a very difficult period,” said Maryam Alrefadi, a graduate of the University of Benghazi.
Unique manuscripts dating back 700 years were looted - which the university later recovered - while approximately 90% of the complex was destroyed by jihadists.
“For us now, there are many job opportunities. We didn’t have many job opportunities before. The construction industry, this urban development revolution, is doing a fantastic job for all those graduating from university and looking for work. It’s an excellent opportunity to build a life for oneself, start a business, or work for international companies,” said Ayman al-Qarqouri, a graduate of Benghazi University and director of a recruitment company, optimistically.
The reconstruction of the university began three years ago and was overseen by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund, headed by Belgacem Haftar, one of the sons of Khalifa Haftar, whose portraits are prominently displayed on campus.
“Instead of dreaming of having electricity, drinking water, or food, which are perfectly normal. These are normal things. We are supposed to already have them. So we look for something more. We look for more, better, because we are human beings. And we know that the human brain can give more to life than simply wanting normal things,” lamented Ayesha al-Mogassbi, an English language student.
The fund recently received an additional three billion dollars from Libya's central budget, financed by the country's oil revenues.
