The government announced the development of a master plan for 2035, intended to transform theprivate higher education. This plan aims to establish precise criteria for the creation of new establishments, the definition of training courses and setting priorities for the scientific researchtaking into account the economic, social and environmental specificities of the Kingdom’s regions.
These details were revealed as part of the response from the supervisory ministry following the remarks and criticisms made by the Court of Auditors in its latest report. The court had in fact denounced the absence of a clear vision and measurable objectives in the private higher education sector. This plan will guide the creation of public and private establishments, while ensuring better coordination and complementarity within the education system, indicates the government.
Harmonization between public and private establishments
The government emphasizes that strategic reforms will include all components of the education system, public and private, with particular attention paid to quality standards. And to specify that teaching specifications national standards have been validated for private establishments, covering all study cycles. The reforms will also include the implementation of new educational systems for licenses and doctorates, starting this academic year.
The government also plans to transform the National Agency for Evaluation and Guarantee of the Quality of Higher Education into an institution with expanded powers. Furthermore, draft legislative texts are being finalized for:
- Review licensing, accreditation and diploma recognition procedures.
- Regulate registration fees and services of private establishments.
- Impose contributions from private establishments for free services intended for poor families and people with disabilities.
Also, and to better control the sector, the government has developed a digital platform to process and evaluate authorization requests from private establishments. The first phase of this project will be effective this year. In the medium term, other online tools for managing recognition requests and monitoring students will also be put in place.
The government is also planning strict measures against private establishments that do not comply with the standards in force. The licenses of institutions closed or inactive for two years have already been withdrawn.
It should also be noted that the government recognizes the difficulties linked to the supervision of exams in the private sector, due to the lack of human resources and the absence of regional representations. Particular attention will be paid to strengthening the role of the National Agency to guarantee rigorous evaluation and effective supervision of private establishments.
With this new plan, Morocco aims to redefine its higher education system to respond to new challenges while ensuring better coherence between the public and private sectors. “A positive reflection taking into consideration the interest of all regional and national components as well as the general interest will be undertaken on all the achievements accomplished since the adoption of law 01.00 relating to the organization of higher education », noted the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui.
