Public universities in Bamako: the four universities that replaced the former University of Mali
Bamako hosts most of Mali's public higher education. Its universities all come from the former University of Bamako, long called the "University of Mali", which was split in 2011. Here is how they are organised and where to find useful procedures for students.
Key points (checked on 18 October 2026)
- The University of Bamako operated from 1996 to 2011; created by law no. 93-060 of September 1993, it brought together the city's campuses.
- On 28 September 2011, the government adopted four ordinances replacing it with four universities.
- The University of Letters and Human Sciences (ULSHB) is now called Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako (UYOB).
From the University of Bamako to four universities
According to Wikipedia, the University of Bamako had 19,714 students in 2000, more than 70,000 in 2008–2009 and about 80,000 in 2010–2011. To cope with these numbers, the government replaced it in September 2011 with four institutions, whose creation was approved by the National Assembly on 8 December 2011:
| University | Acronym | Fields (from its name) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako | USTTB | sciences, techniques and technologies |
| University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako | USSGB | social sciences and management |
| Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako (formerly University of Letters and Human Sciences) | UYOB (formerly ULSHB) | letters, languages, arts, human sciences |
| University of Legal and Political Sciences of Bamako | USJPB | legal and political sciences |
The former university included the faculty of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry (FMPOS), the faculty of letters, languages, arts and human sciences (FLASH), the faculty of sciences and techniques (FAST) and the faculty of legal and economic sciences (FSJE), as well as schools such as the Abderhamane Baba Touré National School of Engineers (ENI-ABT) and the Higher Teacher Training School (ENSup).
Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako
Decree no. 2026-0274/PT-RM of 5 May 2026 sets the members of the Council of Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako (UYOB). It cites ordinance no. 2011-019 of 28 September 2011 creating the University of Letters and Human Sciences and decree no. 2024-0722 of 13 December 2024 naming streets, squares and public institutions in the District of Bamako: it is therefore the former ULSHB, now named after the Malian writer Yambo Ouologuem.
The USSGB's council members were also set by decree no. 2026-0006/PT-RM (Official Journal no. 01 of 2026).
Useful procedures for students
- Scholarships, exams and diplomas (national study grant, DEF and baccalaureate certificates, diploma authentication): see our page on diplomas, exams and scholarships.
- Student services (housing, catering): see the CENOU listing.
- For the mining sector, a Presidential scholarship programme was created by decree no. 2026-0527/PT-RM: see our page on the Mining Code.
Frequently asked questions
How many public universities are there in Bamako?
Four universities replaced the University of Bamako in 2011: USTTB, USSGB, ULSHB (now Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako) and USJPB.
What happened to the ULSHB?
It is now called Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako (UYOB), as shown by the decree of 5 May 2026 on its council.
Sources (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Wikipedia (French), University of Bamako, USTTB, USSGB, ULSHB / UYOB and USJPB.
- Official Journal of the Republic of Mali no. 11 of 2026, decree no. 2026-0274/PT-RM of 5 May 2026 (French); no. 01 of 2026, decree no. 2026-0006/PT-RM (French); no. 21 of 2026, decree no. 2026-0527/PT-RM (French).