Midaoui: Universities Are Not Solely Responsible for Graduate Unemployment, and Scientific Research Is Advancing Steadily
The Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azeddine Midaoui, stated that the current government has supported scientific research with funding amounting to one billion dirhams through a partnership with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates, which doubles the funding allocated to this sector over the past thirty years.
During a session of oral questions at the House of Representatives, Midaoui added that the rising unemployment rates among degree holders cannot be solely attributed to universities, emphasizing that job creation is fundamentally linked to achieving economic growth rates capable of absorbing graduates. He explained that programs aimed at enhancing students’ language skills, alternating training, guidance and information systems, and university employment spaces are all designed to keep pace with labor market transformations and connect university education with actual needs.
Regarding scientific research, the minister confirmed that its development is based on three essential pillars: legislation, human resources, and funding, noting that the latest law on higher education dedicated a complete section to this sector. He highlighted the importance of diversifying researchers and establishing pure research institutions, asserting that funding is no longer an obstacle if organizational mechanisms are in place to ensure efficiency.
In response to deputies’ remarks about the limited budget for scientific research, Midaoui considered the partnership with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates as a chance to enhance investment in human and human resources, affirming that this step represents a significant leap forward for the sector.
Concerning foreign language education, the minister explained that the national platform for language learning, entirely designed by Moroccan engineers and technicians, allows the study of five languages: Arabic, Amazigh, French, Spanish, and English. He added that the platform enables students to learn languages other than the primary language of instruction, with a special focus on English as the language of scientific research, while French maintains its presence in the first two years, and foreign languages are introduced at higher university levels.
Midaoui stressed that the national language platform is in its final stage of implementation, confirming that it represents the first such experience in an Arab and African country to provide the opportunity to learn foreign languages within a unified and effective educational system.
