The senator from La Palma, Kilian Sánchez, has conveyed to the rector of ULL the demands of Nursing students, who are asking for improvements in infrastructure and in-person classes.
The socialist senator for La Palma, Kilian Sánchez, held a meeting with the rector of the University of La Laguna (ULL), Francisco García, to discuss the situation of higher education on the Beautiful Island. Among the issues addressed, the demand from Nursing students was highlighted, who are insisting that in-person classes begin next academic year.
During the meeting, Sánchez thanked the rector, who is from La Palma, for his commitment to promoting higher education on the island. "The University of La Laguna is the reference centre for students from La Palma," stated the senator, who appreciated García's commitment both intellectually and institutionally.
Demands from Nursing students
The senator conveyed to the rector the complaints from representatives of Nursing students, who are calling for improvements in infrastructure, more resources, and in-person teaching. According to Sánchez, "the start of in-person studies in La Palma is planned for next academic year," a piece of news he celebrates as a key advancement for the island.
Additionally, Sánchez shared with García the document "Strategic Plan 2027-2032" prepared by the Official College of Nurses of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which proposes to turn La Palma into the "Island of Care" by 2032. The senator recalled that the college presented this plan to him in a recent meeting on the island.
Concerns about the Cabildo's support for private universities
Sánchez emphasised that the establishment of new studies in La Palma must involve a commitment to public education, where ULL plays a leading role. He expressed concern over the island council's inclination towards private universities for the future university campus. "When we advocate for the promotion of university studies in La Palma, we are working to correct the inequalities that many families on our island face in aspiring to higher education," he pointed out.
The senator warned that "it would be contradictory to support a private model, which would not only fail to correct these social differences but would exacerbate them." In this regard, he urged institutions to prioritise public offerings as a tool for equality.
Retaining talent on the island
Another key point of the meeting was the need to expand and diversify the university offer in La Palma. Sánchez highlighted that many young people from La Palma "still cannot return due to the lack of opportunities to develop their professional lives." Therefore, he believes that the university is a driving force to retain local talent and prevent brain drain.
The senator recalled that La Palma has one of the world's leading astronomy observatories, which opens the door to specialised studies that could attract students from across the country. "We have unique resources that we must take advantage of," he concluded.
"The University of La Laguna is the reference centre for students from La Palma, which now has a local at the helm of the institution," stated Kilian Sánchez.
For his part, rector Francisco García committed to studying the demands and working to make in-person Nursing studies a reality next academic year. ULL continues to bet on the island as a site for higher education.
For the residents of La Palma, this news represents a step towards university decentralisation, as it would prevent students from having to travel to Tenerife to study Nursing. The start of in-person classes is scheduled for September 2026, although details regarding the facilities still need to be finalised.
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