A delegation from the Oyón Peasant Community and the Provincial Municipality of Oyón visited Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) to discuss progress on a new university campus project and preparations for classes in the province this year, according to an April 18 announcement.
The development of a new campus is considered important for expanding educational opportunities in Oyón. The initiative is being advanced through a tripartite agreement between UNMSM, the Oyón Peasant Community, and the Provincial Municipality under Peru’s Works for Taxes mechanism. The technical dossier for the project is currently being prepared, with pre-investment costs estimated at S/ 134 million.
The Oyón Peasant Community is funding both pre-investment studies and preparation of technical documents. The regional government declared the project of regional interest in 2024. The future campus will house academic programs such as Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Accounting, and Physical Education. Facilities will include modern classrooms, specialized laboratories, research spaces, and a fully equipped gymnasium.
Teófilo Carhuaz Hilario, president of the Oyón Peasant Community, said his community has donated a total of 18.7 hectares—14.2 hectares plus an additional 4.5 hectares—and stadium infrastructure provided by previous municipal management to support construction: “We are interested in seeing this campus built because it represents an aspiration of local residents.” Carhuaz Hilario also said that there are plans to provide space for building a health clinic and donating an ambulance to benefit students.
Ottmar Conejo Chavarría, municipal manager for Oyón Province, said: “Through our agreement with UNMSM we have cleared all legal obstacles regarding land where the new university will be built. Relevant studies are underway and deliverables should be ready soon.” He added that coordination continues with Lima’s Regional Government to execute works under Works for Taxes.
Currently about 250 students attend classes using temporary facilities set up in a communal hotel provided by the peasant community and adapted by local authorities according to technical standards.
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos promotes cultural well-being through initiatives supporting responsibility and sustainable development according to its official website. The institution uses multiple campuses including provincial extensions according to its official website.
UNMSM leads public universities in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings according to its official website. It operates autonomously as recognized by Peru’s constitution according to its official website, offering more than eighty undergraduate programs alongside postgraduate options according to its official website.
As work continues on finalizing technical documentation before registration at June’s end—with additional studies like drainage design included—the next steps involve moving toward construction once approvals are complete.
