Twenty-five years ago, amid the country’s renewal momentum and the urgent need to develop a locally trained workforce, the Prime Minister signed a decision on March 23, 2001 to establish Tay Bac University on the basis of Tay Bac College of Education.

The milestone marked the realisation of the long-held aspiration of ethnic communities in the Northwest for a university capable of providing high-quality human resources right in their homeland.

Over the past 25 years, the university has continuously developed into the largest higher education institution in the Northwestern region. From just 126 lecturers and only one PhD holder in 2001, the university now boasts six associate professors, 96 PhD holders, and hundreds of master’s degree holders.

Starting with only two undergraduate teacher training programmes in 2001, the university expanded to 21 majors by 2010 and reached 25 undergraduate programmes by 2025, while maintaining its master’s-level training disciplines.

Over the past 25 years, the university has trained more than 42,000 graduates and engineers across various programmes, as well as over 1,400 Lao students. It has grown into a reputable centre for scientific research and technology transfer, successfully leading and implementing numerous research projects and initiatives.

Building on these achievements, the university is striving to become a modern, multidisciplinary and identity-rich institution, developing under an application-oriented model with high quality and reputation, and providing skilled human resources for the Northwestern region and the country as a whole.

On this occasion, the Thang Long Centre for Education Quality Accreditation announced its decisions recognising six undergraduate programmes of the university as meeting education quality standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training.

It also announced a decision by the Son La provincial Department of Education and Training recognising Chu Van An Primary, Secondary and High School as meeting Level 3 education quality accreditation standards at both secondary and high school levels.

To mark the anniversary in a meaningful way, the university organised an art performance contest featuring 11 teams and more than 400 contestants, including staff, lecturers, and students from various faculties, departments, and units across the institution.

Under the theme “Northwest Melodies – 25 Years of Steady Growth,” each team presented distinctive performances which vividly recreated the university’s history of formation and development, while expressing love for the homeland and country, as well as dedication and commitment to the cause of education.

Carefully choreographed and professionally staged, the performances created a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere, inspiring pride and a shared determination to further strengthen and develop Tay Bac University.