“If you’re an engineering student you must build something, no long essays for thesis” — President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traoré

A quote attributed to Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, has generated widespread discussion online after it was shared across social media platforms, with many users praising its apparent emphasis on practical learning over lengthy academic writing.

The statement, which has been widely circulated in posts and videos, claims that engineering students should focus on building or manufacturing projects for their theses instead of submitting long written essays.

Quote fuels conversations on practical education

The quote reads, “We will no longer support long essays. If you are an engineering student, for your thesis, you must manufacture, copy, or build something.”

The message has resonated with many social media users, who argued that practical, project-based learning better equips engineering graduates with hands-on skills needed in today’s workforce.

Others said similar approaches could help bridge the gap between university education and industry demands across many African countries.

Social media users divided

While many users applauded the statement as a progressive approach to technical education, others questioned its authenticity and called for official confirmation of when and where the remarks were made.

The discussion has also reignited broader conversations about educational reforms, innovation and the need for universities to strike a balance between academic research and practical application. At the time of writing, the widely shared quote continues to circulate online, with its original source yet to be independently verified.