Overview

• The plenary approved by insistence the creation of 22 national universities across 15 regions, consolidating more than 30 bills and including same-day approvals for Huaycán (Lima) and Kimbiri (Cusco).
• The vote was 74 in favor, 5 against and 30 abstentions, overriding objections from President Dina Boluarte’s administration.
• Proponents led by Education Commission chair Segundo Montalvo argue the measure addresses access gaps flagged by CEPLAN and will be implemented progressively without breaching fiscal balance.
• Former education ministers and experts denounce the move as populist and unworkable, urging investment in existing universities or licensed branches instead of launching new institutions without secured budgets.
• Technical references cite steep requirements, including roughly S/105 million to open a minimal university, multi‑year buildouts of seven to eight years and compliance with Sunedu licensure before operating.