Enhancing Quality and Innovation in Moroccan Universities
On March 12, 2026, a significant meeting was held in Rabat, presided over by Aziz Akhannouch, the Head of Government, focusing on the ongoing reforms in the higher education sector, scientific research, and innovation in Morocco. This gathering aimed to assess the progress made in implementing these reforms and to discuss various structural projects designed to improve the quality and attractiveness of Moroccan universities. The government has recognized that a robust educational framework is vital for the nation’s development, aligning with the Royal High Directives that emphasize the importance of enhancing human capital.
During the meeting, Akhannouch highlighted that the reform initiative represents a strategic choice by the government to foster an efficient and innovative university system. Notably, between 2021 and 2025, the government has increased the budget for the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation by 30%. This budget enhancement has led to the strengthening of educational, administrative, and technical staff, improving their social conditions and expanding university capacity to accommodate more students.
Key Projects and Positive Progress Indicators
The meeting also provided a platform to review several key projects aimed at restructuring the public university landscape to ensure equitable access across different regions. One of the notable projects discussed was the establishment of a new faculty of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry in Kénitra, which will enhance educational offerings in the area and alleviate the pressure on the existing medical faculties in Rabat.
In terms of university infrastructure, significant attention was given to developing student housing. Five new university cities are being launched in Agadir, El Jadida, Oujda, Nador, and Béni Mellal, which will collectively provide 11,000 beds. A second phase of this initiative is set to commence in April, with plans to add an additional 100,000 beds to meet the growing demand.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored several encouraging indicators regarding the evolution of the university system. There has been a 4.8% increase in the total number of students compared to the previous academic year, surpassing 1.3 million enrollments. The diversification of academic offerings was also a focal point, with the introduction of 366 new programs and the development of pathways between different specialties and institutions, aimed at providing greater flexibility in academic journeys and reducing dropout rates.
Finally, the meeting showcased a new language learning platform called Elogha-sup, developed by a Moroccan team. This platform incorporates several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Amazigh, with the goal of enhancing students' language skills and supporting the internationalization of Moroccan universities.
As reported by industries.ma.
