فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
At the invitation of the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, a meeting was held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the ministry’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting brought together the Minister, accompanied by the Secretary-General, the Director of Legal Affairs, and the Director of Human Resources, and the National Office of the Moroccan Union for Higher Education and Scientific Research.
During a responsible dialogue lasting more than six hours, the National Office expressed its dissatisfaction and surprise over the exclusion of many stakeholders involved in the joint development of a crucial legislative bill before its legislative process. The National Office reiterated its rejection of Draft Law No. 59/24 in its current circulated form.
The union’s statement highlighted that the proposed law is inconsistent with the values and independence of the university system, threatens the existence and functions of public universities, promotes overwhelming dominance of the private sector, and fuels discrimination, frustration, and spatial, economic, and social disparities.
The National Office called for expanding the consultation process regarding pedagogical reforms to enhance quality and development within specialized university structures, stressing the urgency of resolving pressing issues within the national demands file.
Regarding the legislative draft, the Minister clarified that the bill is currently with the General Secretariat of the Government and that many provisions have been amended in the currently circulated version. He pledged to provide the National Office with an official copy and to open extensive dialogue for reviewing all articles, culminating in a jointly signed report detailing agreed amendments to rectify shortcomings and address controversies caused by the draft and protests from social partners.
The National Office stressed the necessity of promptly releasing the revised official version of the draft for public discussion with all stakeholders, emphasizing respect for the dignity of professor-researchers, university autonomy, and academic freedom.
Concerning pedagogical reform, both parties agreed to update and enhance the pedagogical guidelines within specialized university bodies through consultation and participation. They also agreed to open an accreditation platform for sufficient time, allowing professor-researchers to complete the development of pedagogical projects based on academic standards, avoiding rushed pressure to ensure quality.
On urgent issues within the national demands file, the Ministry confirmed that the finance ministry still holds a “veto” against the French doctorate file, which essentially is a matter of rehabilitating professor-researchers. The general seniority file remains under consideration and discussion, with efforts to develop fair solutions for the category, similarly for holders of state doctorates, based on the National Office’s vision and proposals.
The National Office appreciated the Minister’s serious and responsible response to the union’s proposals and his commitment to a participatory approach addressing systemic issues comprehensively. It positively noted the ministry’s preliminary approval of the just demand to grant professor-researchers credit years similar to their colleagues in medical, pharmacy, and dental schools, convinced by the solid advocacy by the National Office.
Furthermore, the process of finalizing 2023 professor promotion files has largely reached financial approval stages, as informed by the Ministry. For 2024 promotions, commencement depends on amending Article 9 of the basic statute, which poses significant implementation challenges. The Moroccan Union previously warned of the impracticality of this article and its obstructive effect on the professional advancement of professor-researchers. Consequently, joint meetings are planned between the Ministry and the union to reconsider the promotion system and its criteria.
Finally, the National Office affirmed that the Moroccan Union for Higher Education and Scientific Research, through all its bodies and members, remains committed to its principles of honesty, transparency, and independent decision-making. It is keen to modernize the public university and will continue to stand firmly in defense of the university’s historic, national, scientific, and cultural roles.
National Office
Moroccan Union for Higher Education and Scientific Research
