The Minister of Higher Education, Azeddine Al-Midawi, stated that there is a plan aimed at increasing the number of universities in Morocco from 13 universities currently to 25 universities in the future.
In response to questions regarding the establishment of new academic institutions, including inquiries calling for an independent university in Tangier separate from Abdelmalek Essaadi University, the minister revealed that there is a project—“managerial plan”—being studied and prepared currently in this regard.
The minister emphasized that institutions cannot be established spontaneously and haphazardly; thus, the managerial plan is working on preparing for this expansion that initially targets public universities, as they attract alone about 90 percent of students.
According to the minister, this plan also includes “opening” multi-disciplinary colleges and establishing colleges with modern specialties, while ensuring the creation of institutions that take into account and support the specificities of Moroccan regions.
Despite the minister’s confirmation of the importance of spatial justice, he stressed the necessity of ensuring the establishment of universities and colleges with high attraction rates in specific areas and cities, while avoiding “locality and regionalism,” considering that this poses a threat and reduces opportunities for youth.
The minister stated that there should be a feature that allows youth to leave, explore, move around, and mingle with all members of the community.
