Students at the University of Minho in Portugal are protesting deteriorating conditions on campus, citing issues ranging from leaky roofs and mold to broken equipment and inadequate facilities. The complaints highlight growing concerns about infrastructure and maintenance at the university, potentially impacting the learning environment for thousands of students.
The student movement, Dignidade Académica (MDA), announced the launch of a petition demanding “dignified conditions” at the university, according to reports on February 23, 2026. The group recently gained representation on the Fiscal Council of the University of Minho’s Academic Association.
Problems are particularly acute on the Braga campus, specifically in Complex Pedagógico 1, where heavy rainfall causes significant leaks. Students report seeing water running down walls and ceilings, buckets placed throughout hallways and classrooms, persistent dampness, damaged or missing ceiling tiles, and lighting fixtures at risk of falling. “These situations are not isolated incidents or recent occurrences. They repeat year after year without a visible structural solution and directly compromise the carrying out of classes, evaluations, research and academic activities,” the MDA stated.
Beyond the structural issues, the student group also points to frequently inoperable or unsanitary restrooms and recurring failures of basic student support equipment, such as microwaves in dining areas. Other concerns include insufficient parking and failures to uphold contractual obligations.
“A democratic, inclusive and participatory university depends not only on pedagogical or scientific quality, but also on the material conditions that allow one to study, research and work safely and with dignity,” the MDA said in a statement. “Yet, what should constitute the minimum guaranteed to the academic community has been deteriorating continuously and visibly.”
The petition calls for a transparent and public technical assessment of the buildings’ structural condition, a scheduled plan for intervention and rehabilitation, regular communication with the academic community regarding repairs, a guarantee of minimum safety and hygiene standards in teaching spaces, and clarification on plans to address parking issues and a timeline for resolution.
University of Minho officials, who took office in December 2025, say modernizing and maintaining infrastructure is a priority. The administration stated that a detailed assessment of needs across all campus spaces is underway “to streamline and plan interventions effectively and in a coordinated manner.” This effort, they say, aims to ensure adequate working, studying, and research conditions, reinforcing a commitment to academic excellence and community well-being.
The university also highlighted ongoing investments in student residences in Braga and Guimarães, cultural facilities, data center upgrades, energy efficiency projects, and the acquisition of electric vehicles.
