Lahcen Saadi Responds to Allegations of Selling and Buying Master’s Degrees: "My Record is Honest and I Won’t Allow My Reputation to be Tarnished"
In a direct response to the circulation of his name and image in what he described as a "systematic smear campaign," Lahcen Saadi, the State Secretary in charge of handicrafts and social economy, broke his silence through a post on his official Facebook page, denying any connection to what has become known in the media as the "master’s degree sale and purchase scandal."
The government official made it clear in his statement: "I have always been proud of my academic and professional journey, as it was the result of personal choices stemming from my convictions and values." He added that he was among the outstanding students who received encouragement and commendation during his studies in Tafraout, where he earned his baccalaureate with honors.
Saadi emphasized that he chose to pursue his studies in philosophy at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree, before continuing his academic path at the International University of Agadir, where he earned a master’s degree in "local governance and regional development," expressing great pride in what he described as a "clean and professional" journey.
In a direct rebuttal to claims linking his name to Ibn Zohr University, the State Secretary stressed that he "never had the honor of being a student at this institution," despite his immense respect for the graduates who have emerged from it in various sectors.
While expressing his bewilderment at being named in a sensitive legal file, Saadi firmly stated his lack of connection to the matter, declaring that he has never been a party to the master’s program in question, nor does he have any academic ties to it.
With the escalation of rumors and the circulation of his images across social media platforms, the government official announced his intention to take all necessary legal measures to pursue those spreading these allegations, asserting that the aim is to slander and undermine his reputation and standing.
Lahcen Saadi concluded his post by calling for accuracy and responsibility before spreading false news, emphasizing that justice will have its say, and he is completely confident in his innocence and the integrity of his academic and professional journey.
