Toungup University in Arakan (Rakhine) State has been left off the list of junta -approved universities for students who passed their matriculation, though Sittwe University, also in Arakan State, is still on the list.
On 18 August 2024 junta-affiliated media published the names of the 23 universities approved by the junta for students who passed their matriculation.
In previous years both Toungup University, in Toungup Town, Thandwe District and Sittwe University in Arakan State were on the list of junta-approved universities. this year, only Sittwe University made it onto the list. A Toungup University student suggested that the university might have been excluded due to the current military situation.
They explained: “They [junta soldiers] are stationed inside the university. From a civilian's perspective, it's not convenient at all. The likely reason why the university cannot open is [because of] the junta soldiers stationed there.”
Toungup University is primarily attended by students from towns such as Toungup, Ann, Ramree, Munaung, Kyaukpyu, and Gwa.
On 17 June 2024 junta soldiers fired heavy weapons into the university campus and forced all the lecturers, including the rector, to leave. The shelling damaged a house and vehicle belonging to the head of teacher training at the university.
After, junta soldiers were stationed at Toungup University. They broke into the rector’s residence and staff members apartments and stole their belongings, according to local reports.
There are several junta military bases in Toungup Town. They include Light Infantry Battalions (LIBs) 544 and 346 and Military Operations Command 5.
On 4 August, heavy artillery hit the Teing Chaung area to the west of Toungup University. There was also fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta in Toungup Town during June that resulted in junta casualties.
The junta announced that students who passed the matriculation exams can apply to the 23 officially listed universities from 26 August until 12 September.
In Arakan State, this year, 8,644 students sat the matriculation exams, of which 5,253 students passed, according to the State Education Office.
