In a remarkable turn of events, former students of the Central American University (UCA) in Nicaragua celebrated their graduation in late October and early November 2025. These graduates earned their degrees from Jesuit institutions in neighboring countries, specifically from Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala and the José Simeón Cañas Central American University in El Salvador.
Challenges Faced by Graduates
The closure of UCA had a deep impact on many students’ educational journeys. On August 16, 2023, the institution was shut down by the Nicaraguan government, led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. This abrupt decision left thousands of students facing an uncertain future.
- Enrollment Statistics: Following UCA’s closure, about 5,000 students were affected. Of these, 2,301 sought admission to other Jesuit universities.
- Options for Continuation: Jesuit universities offered students the opportunity to continue their education, provided they completed at least one year of study at the new institutions.
Personal Journeys of Graduates
Students like Mariana, who pursued a degree in Psychology, expressed relief at graduating. After taking online classes at URL in Guatemala, she reflected on her experience. “I had planned to start over,” she shared, feeling thankful to complete her degree despite the barriers.
Working full-time while studying posed significant challenges. Mariana juggled a job in Human Resources with her studies, describing her routine as exhausting yet rewarding. Financial assistance helped ease her burden as she took on multiple responsibilities.
Similarly, Cristina, another graduate, transitioned to Rafael Landívar after the shutdown. She noted how the remote learning format presented difficulties but ultimately contributed to her personal growth. She now aspires to develop training programs within her career.
Kevin’s journey was marked by setbacks too. The loss of his scholarship forced him to find work while continuing his studies at a Jesuit university. He expressed pride in becoming the first professional in his family despite the obstacles.
Graduation Ceremonies
- El Salvador: Graduation ceremonies were held in late October 2025.
- Guatemala: Graduations took place in early November 2025.
Despite the celebrations, many graduates opted not to attend the ceremonies. Fear of government repercussions influenced their decisions, as the Nicaraguan regime has been known to punish dissent.
Cecilia, who graduated from the UCA in El Salvador, now dreams of returning to Nicaragua. However, she remains apprehensive about the current political climate blocking her return.
The Legacy of UCA
As UCA’s alumni move forward, they carry with them the experience of an institution renowned for promoting critical thinking and civic engagement. Despite its closure, the values instilled at UCA continue to resonate with its graduates, who aim to influence society positively.
In conclusion, the resilience demonstrated by former UCA students in Nicaragua underscores their commitment to education and the pursuit of personal and professional dreams, even amid challenging circumstances.
