Benghazi -- The University of Benghazi resumed full operations on September 4, 2026, after an 11-year closure caused by war damage, following a three-year reconstruction led by the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund under Director General Belqasim Khalifa Haftar.
Reconstruction rebuilds an integrated university city in three years
The project restored the Faculties of Engineering, Humanities, Law, Science and Languages, along with the central library, teaching and administrative buildings, laboratories, utility facilities, student dormitories, internal roads and supporting infrastructure. The University of Benghazi, known as the "Mother of Libyan Universities," serves nearly 100,000 students and had been shuttered since sustaining extensive destruction during the Libyan armed forces' conflict with terrorist groups.
Opening ceremony sets three Guinness World Records with drone show
The reopening ceremony, attended by prominent Libyan figures, ambassadors, international delegations and roughly 240 foreign guests, was overseen by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar. The event featured 3D mapping and a drone aerial display that set three Guinness World Records: an eagle formation, a feather writing "University of Benghazi" across the sky, and a peace symbol formation.
Fund pairs infrastructure rebuild with overseas scholarships for 1,000 students
Beyond physical reconstruction, the Fund has sent more than 1,000 students abroad to continue their studies, linking infrastructure investment with human capital development.
Project is one of 2,300 reconstruction initiatives across eastern and southern Libya
The university's revival forms part of a broader program exceeding 2,300 development projects in eastern and southern Libya, including the rebuilding of universities and educational institutions in Kufra, Al Bayda, Derna, Al Marj, Ajdabiya, Sirte, Brak al-Shati and Murzuq, as well as roughly 250 schools.
