CUJAE Students Protest in Havana Over Professor’s Dismissal

In an unprecedented move for the Cuban academic community in 2026, students at the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE) have raised their voices in protest following the dismissal of renowned professor Abel Tablada. The mobilization, which began digitally and has moved into the university corridors, highlights the growing tension between academic freedom and institutional control on the island.

The Trigger: The Dismissal of Abel Tablada

Professor Tablada, known for his critical yet constructive stances on urban planning and Cuba’s social reality, was recently notified of his dismissal. According to student testimonies, the move is a response to his social media posts analyzing the impact of prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages on student life.

Students sent a formal letter to the rector’s office demanding the teacher’s immediate reinstatement. In the letter, they denounce not only the injustice against Tablada but also the deplorable conditions under which they are attempting to train as engineers and architects.

Educational Crisis and Poverty Wages

The protest goes beyond the individual dismissal. Students have pointed to structural problems paralyzing the school year:

• Teacher Salaries: It is estimated that a university professor earns between 10 and 15 dollars a month at the current exchange rate, causing a massive talent drain to SMEs or abroad.
• Infrastructure: The lack of transport and the inability to keep laboratories operational due to the electricity deficit have reduced face-to-face classes to a minimum.
• Hygiene: Coinciding with the garbage crisis in Havana, the campus surroundings suffer from a lack of waste collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the CUJAE Protests

1. Who is Professor Abel Tablada? A respected architect and professor at CUJAE who has publicly questioned the management of the urban and social crisis in Cuba through his social media accounts.

2. What are the students demanding in their letter? The immediate reinstatement of Professor Tablada and a tangible improvement in study conditions, including electricity and better salaries for their teachers.

3. Has the university leadership responded? As of this publishing, the rector’s office has not released an official statement, although strong security presence is reported around the campus.

4. How does the energy crisis affect Cuban universities? Many faculties have had to suspend classes or move them to an extremely precarious online format due to power interruptions exceeding 15 hours a day in many areas.

Sources: CiberCuba, Direct sources from Havana.