Afghanistan’s Kabul University reopens after Taliban takeover

Kabul University, reopened Saturday for the first time following the Taliban takeover of the Afghanistan, The Associated Press reported.

“After much delay, fortunately, all universities and educational institutions started today Feb. 26,” Ahmad Taqqi, Taliban spokesman for the Higher Education Ministry, told the AP.

“The education will continue based on the plans and policies of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” he added.

Men and women attending the university are required to remain segregated under Taliban rule, a change from more than six months ago, when the university was co-educational. Women must wear the hijab to attend.

Kabul University said in a Facebook post that all classes will adhere to religious and cultural values, consistent with the Islam promoted by the Taliban.

The Taliban barred females from higher education during its former rule over Afghanistan in the late 1990s.

The Taliban appear to have changed their views on allowing education for women but continue to insist on gender segregation in classes. Students reported that their professors are of both genders, despite earlier calls from Taliban officials for female students to be taught only by female professors.

Students report that the model of education at Kabul University is similar to its structure pre-Taliban rule, focusing on an American-influenced liberal arts format, according to the AP. 

Universities in the Afghan provinces of Laghman, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Nimroz, Farah and Helmand reopened in early February.

The Taliban allegedly denied media requests to enter the newly reopened university, according to the wire service.