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Thursday, October 9, 2025
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New Entrance Gates at National University of Laos Sparks Online Debate

This Week

A new entrance gate at the National University of Laos has stirred heated discussion online, with many questioning whether such investment should instead address more pressing educational needs, especially in rural areas.

Critics on social media argued that while the university focuses on aesthetic upgrades, essential infrastructure like rural roads, dormitories, and schools continues to suffer from lack of funding and support.

On 8 October, the National University of Laos (Dongdok Campus) and the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) held a foundation-laying ceremony for the new entrance and exit gates, which are valued at USD 560,000.

Funded by a private company, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between the university and the private sector, enhance human resource development, and support academic programs, particularly in agriculture and medicinal plants.

Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed before 1 December, in time for the 50th National Day celebration on 2 December.
Officials say the private company’s support is crucial for improving the university’s infrastructure and overall appearance.

The project is also expected to encourage future academic collaborations, including curriculum development in agriculture, expanding educational opportunities for students, and benefiting the wider community.

Facebook Users Share Their Reactions

The news quickly sparked online debate. Many users expressed mostly negative opinions regarding the construction cost, the necessity of the gates, and the use of private funding for public university projects.

“Would having a beautiful gate improve the quality of education? Many primary and secondary schools still lack doors and windows, and some teachers in rural areas have to bring their babies while teaching young children. Educational development should start at the kindergarten level, not at university gates,” one user wrote.

“Why not repair the road around the university, or the road leading to the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) instead?” and “It might be more beneficial to renovate the bathrooms and dormitories rather than to build the entrance gates,” another user said.

“Such a waste of money, shouldn’t it be better spent on repairing dilapidated roads or building new schools for rural students?” another comment added.

Some also said, “Building a university entrance gate is neither necessary nor urgent. It’s important to build better schools in rural areas first, right?”

Old Entrance of the National University of Laos

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