Following the suspension of women from attending universities in Afghanistan, the Union of Private Universities said that at least 35 private universities are at risk of collapse in the country.

Citing Mohammad Karim Nasiri, media officer at the Union, TOLOnews says the economic challenges have surged widely.

“Currently, 30 to 35 universities are facing major economic problems,” Mohammad Karim Nasiri noted. 

Some owners of universities reportedly warned that many other higher education institutions would be closed due to economic challenges if female students are not allowed to attend classes.

“There is no man at this educational center. If the implementation of this order continues, we will be obliged to close the doors of this center,” said Azizullah Amir, founder of the Mura Educational Center, was cited as saying by TOLOnews.

“The universities are closed for women.  But we look at the closure of the university as a temporary and we hope universities will be reopened and students continue their education,” Enayatullah Khalil Hadaf, deputy head of Dawat University, told TOLOnews in an interview. 

Ziaullah Hashimi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Higher Education, was cited as saying that efforts are underway to resolve the issues in the sector.

“We are trying to ease our principles and provide services for the universities and solve the problems that cause obstacles for universities,” Hashimi said.

According to the Union of Private Universities of Afghanistan, 140 private universities are currently active in the country.

Recall, the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan last week suspended higher education for women in public and private universities.