8am: With the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, students’ interest in continuing their education under the rule of this group has significantly declined. Sources from public universities confirm that around 50% of students have dropped out. According to these sources, even science-related disciplines have faced more than a 50% dropout rate. One informed source states that in one university, the number of students in mathematics and physics programs has dwindled to just five. At the same time, sources confirm that there is currently an imbalance between student enrollment and the availability of faculty and specialized staff in universities. If the situation persists, universities will soon be emptied of students, with only Taliban-affiliated clerics remaining in these institutions. Students cite an uncertain future, lack of financial resources, concerns over job opportunities, the Taliban’s strong support for religious school clerics, and the group’s disregard for modern knowledge and expertise as reasons for their dropout. Some students have also left due to Taliban threats and retaliatory actions against themselves and their families, leading them to migrate. Click here to read more (external link).