Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch is actively following up on the reform of higher education and has launched new projects for universities and student housing.
On Wednesday in Rabat, Akhannouch held a meeting dedicated to evaluating the progress of the higher education, scientific research, and innovation reform system. The meeting also reviewed new projects aimed at bolstering the capacities of Moroccan universities in the coming years.
During the meeting, Akhannouch emphasized that modernizing the higher education system is a central challenge in public policies, linked to developing human capital and supporting the dynamics of development in vital sectors. He noted that this initiative aligns with royal directives calling for the establishment of a more competitive and open national university.
The Prime Minister also explained that financial resources allocated to the sector have increased by about 30% between 2021 and 2025, allowing for enhanced human resources within universities, both in pedagogical and administrative/technical staff, as well as improving access conditions to higher education institutions and expanding their capacities.
The meeting also addressed several anticipated projects, including a review of the university map to achieve a better spatial balance in the distribution of universities. Additionally, a project to establish a faculty of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry in Kenitra is expected to expand healthcare training offerings and alleviate pressure on the faculty of medicine and pharmacy in Rabat.
Regarding social services for students, a presentation was made on the university housing development program, which employs a new model based on public-private partnerships. This program includes the launch of five projects in Agadir, El Jadida, Oujda, Nador, and Beni Mellal, with a total capacity approaching 11,000 beds. A second phase is planned to start in April, potentially reaching a total capacity of around 100,000 beds.
Data presented during the meeting also showed a continued expansion of the student base, with over 1.3 million students enrolled in Moroccan universities, marking an increase of approximately 4.8% compared to the previous academic year.
On the organizational front, the meeting tracked the alignment of the legal framework governing higher education with the provisions of the framework law related to the education and training system, as well as reviewing regulatory texts that have been issued or are in the process of approval.
Additionally, the use of the “Elogha-sup” platform for language learning within universities was emphasized. This digital platform, developed by Moroccan competencies, allows students to study several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Amazigh.
Regarding training related to national projects, the need to expand pedagogical capacities in health specializations under the program to increase the number of sector professionals by 2030 was reiterated, with a total of 10,841 seats opened during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The number of seats allocated for training primary and secondary school teachers has also been increased to 20,404 as part of the program aimed at addressing shortages in educational staff by 2025, along with continued support for digital specializations, which saw over 27,000 new students enrolled.
In terms of pedagogical efforts, universities have expanded their training offerings by launching 366 new programs, developing pathways between specializations, and adopting a credit system that allows greater flexibility in academic paths. This initiative aims to provide additional opportunities for students to recover from academic setbacks and continue their studies, targeting the issue of university dropouts.
