Universidad del Bienestar en Texcoco: From Luxury Airport to Educational Stable

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, inaugurated a new campus of the Universidad del Bienestar Benito Juárez García this Monday, May 5, located in the Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco.

The project, far from exciting due to its educational impact, has sparked controversy because of its appearance. It was mocked on social media and received harsh criticism from urban planners and citizens.

The building, designed by architect Iñaki Echeverría, has been described by its promoters as an example of "sustainable infrastructure." However, its rustic and simplistic appearance, made with compacted earth blocks, resembles more a stable than a university center.

The whim of canceling the NAIM

Beyond the design, the choice of land has also caused controversy. The campus is located on the site where the New International Airport of Mexico (NAIM) was originally to be built, canceled during López Obrador's administration. The cancellation cost the treasury more than 300 billion pesos, exceeding the total estimated cost to complete the airport.

The university is part of the system promoted by the former president, which promised free education in marginalized areas. However, independent investigations, such as those by Latinus, have documented structural deficiencies since the program's inception.

Universities for Well-being: deplorable results

The Universities for Well-being "Benito Juárez García" system, a flagship of the 4T, has faced multiple failures. It shows low enrollment, scarce graduation rates, and unfinished campuses, despite an investment exceeding 6 billion pesos.

Additionally, the newly inaugurated campus in the Parque Ecológico was built without an Environmental Impact Statement. This omission has raised alarms among environmentalists and ecological regulation specialists.