فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, Morocco – The Moroccan Union for Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced its complete rejection of Bill No. 24/59 regulating higher education, describing it as a “legal and rights-based setback.” This came in a statement issued by the union’s national office following an extraordinary meeting held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Union Marginalization and Disregard for a Participatory Approach
In its statement, the union condemned what it considered a “complete reversal” of previous understandings with the Ministry of Higher Education, particularly the joint communique issued on May 25, 2025. The statement noted that the ministry unilaterally, and during the peak of the summer holiday, submitted the bill for legislative review, ignoring the advocacy memorandum presented by the union that stemmed from the outcomes of a national symposium it organized last April.
Concerns Over Undermining the Public University
The union’s national office affirmed that the bill, in its current form, represents a dangerous retreat from the university’s values and historical functions. The union considers that the bill:
- Directly undermines the gains achieved by research professors through years of struggle.
- Attacks the university’s identity and independence, and restricts its powers.
- Stifles academic freedom and marginalizes the role of the research professor.
- Reduces the representation of professors in decision-making structures.
Call for Escalation to Confront a “Grievous Law”
In the conclusion of its statement, the Moroccan Union for Higher Education and Scientific Research called on the ministry to withdraw the bill, in fulfillment of its previous commitments, and to activate the principle of genuine participation of research professors in drafting any reform.
The union also issued an appeal to all vital forces in Morocco and all components of the university to stand together against this bill, which it says “will finish off what remains of the public university.” In an escalatory step, the union announced an extraordinary meeting of its national council for Monday, September 1, 2025, to decide on the next steps for their protest program.
