Key Developments in Higher Education Reform
On Wednesday, in Rabat, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting focused on the ongoing implementation of reforms in the higher education, scientific research, and innovation sectors. This meeting served as a platform to assess the progress made thus far and to discuss future structural projects aimed at establishing a national university of excellence, in line with royal directives. At the outset of the meeting, Akhannouch emphasized that the reform of the higher education system is a governmental conviction due to its significant contribution to enhancing the quality of human capital across various vital sectors, which is essential for the overall development of the Kingdom.
The Prime Minister highlighted that to support this reform, the government has committed to increasing the overall budget for the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation by 30% from 2021 to 2025. This financial boost is intended to strengthen the workforce of educational and administrative staff, improve their social conditions, enhance university accessibility, and increase their capacity to accommodate more students.
Future Projects and Innovations in University Housing
The meeting also addressed several future structural projects, particularly related to the reorganization of Morocco's public university mapping to promote spatial equity. A notable proposal discussed was the establishment of a new faculty of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry in Kénitra, aimed at expanding educational offerings in the region and alleviating pressure on the existing faculty in Rabat. Additionally, the issue of enhancing university housing was explored, with plans to develop innovative accommodation solutions for students and equip university campuses through public-private partnerships.
Five projects have already been initiated across five university cities—Agadir, El Jadida, Oujda, Nador, and Béni Mellal—with a total capacity of 11,000 beds. Looking ahead, a second phase of university housing projects is set to launch in April, aiming to provide an additional 100,000 beds. During the meeting, several key indicators were discussed, highlighting the growth of university offerings and increased attractiveness of universities; the total number of students rose by 4.8% compared to the previous academic year, surpassing 1.3 million students.
On the governance front, the meeting reviewed the alignment of legal frameworks with the provisions of the framework law 51.17 and examined other organic texts that have been issued or are in the process of adoption. Furthermore, a presentation was made regarding the language learning platform 'Elogha-sup', developed by a Moroccan team, which offers courses in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Amazigh. In terms of supporting sectoral strategies related to educational reform, 10,841 teaching positions were opened during the academic year as part of a program aimed at bolstering the health workforce by 2030.
Additionally, 20,404 teaching positions were made available under the program for training primary and secondary school teachers. The initiative to enhance the number of graduates from public universities in digital fields continues, with 27,190 new students enrolled, signaling a concerted effort towards diversifying educational offerings. The meeting shed light on the establishment of approximately 366 new academic programs and the development of pathways between different branches and specialties, which will facilitate students' ability to adapt their academic journeys and minimize university dropout rates.
As reported by ledesk.ma.
