This Monday, July 24, the verdict was announced. The court has declared the judicial liquidation of École 42 in Nice, which is now forced to close its doors.
This network of higher education institutions, spread all over the world and chaired by French entrepreneur Xavier Niel, trains computer developers. Despite having innovative methods for 400 students enrolled on campus, the institution didn’t last long. Opened in October 2020 on Avenue Simone Veil, it was placed in receivership on June 13 before undergoing a court-ordered restructuring thirteen days later.
It all started with suspicions of management irregularities, which were subsequently reported. The parent company reports that it is “facing an exceptional case in Nice, a campus managed by an independent partner, where a governance problem and dysfunctions have been noted.” Despite apparent success, the association holding the “École 42” label may not see another day.
“Liquidation does not mean the cessation of the school’s activities.”
Nicolas Isnard and Xavier Latour
Despite the latest news leaving little room for optimism, Nicolas ISNARD, Vice-President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region in charge of Professional Training and Employment Policy, and Xavier LATOUR, Vice-President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis responsible for Higher Education and Research, wanted to reassure those concerned:
“[…] The Southern Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis remain fully mobilized, in close connection with the national ‘École 42’ network, in serving the learners: students will be able to complete their course remotely, thanks to the support of other campuses and their instructors.
Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining a training activity renowned for its excellence and whose success is now proven, with nearly 400 students trained, and we will do everything to ensure that a new, viable and sustainable structure can take over, in the interest of the students.”
