Category : Partnership & collaboration
Event : 7 November 2025
On Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Higher School of Technology in Laayoune, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Mr. Azzedine EL MIDAOUI, chaired the signing ceremony for the Development Contracts of Public Universities for the period 2025–2027. The event was attended by the Ministry’s Secretary-General, university presidents, heads of higher education institutions, and directors from the central administration.
In his speech, the Minister expressed his great pride in hosting this significant event in the southern provinces, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the historic UN Security Council decision supporting the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the implementation of the High Royal Directives for reforming the higher education and scientific research system, promoting accountability, and executing Framework Law 51.17 on education, training, and scientific research. The initiative also complies with the recommendations of the New Development Model, the 2021–2026 government program, the Ministry’s 2024–2026 action plan, and the provisions of Organizational Law No. 130.13 of the Finance Law.
The Minister further explained that this mechanism aims to establish an effective contractual framework between the Ministry and universities, defining mutual commitments and promoting the implementation of priority projects. Key focus areas include improving the quality of education, developing scientific research and innovation, enhancing graduates’ employability, and strengthening the university’s engagement with its economic and social environment.
The 2025–2027 Public University Development Contracts exemplify a model of collaboration and joint governance between the Ministry of Higher Education and Morocco’s public universities. By formalizing mutual responsibilities and commitments, the contracts establish a framework for shared decision-making, accountability, and strategic coordination. This approach enables universities and the Ministry to work collectively on priority projects, including enhancing the quality of education, advancing research and innovation, and improving graduates’ employability. Moreover, the collaborative framework strengthens the universities’ engagement with their social and economic environment, ensuring that institutional initiatives are aligned, transparent, and responsive to national development priorities
This initiative also reflects Morocco’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. By focusing on improving the quality of higher education, enhancing research and innovation, and increasing graduates’ employability, the 2025–2027 development contracts directly contribute to achieving these global objectives. Furthermore, the emphasis on university engagement with the economic and social environment aligns with Decent Work and Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, highlighting the broader societal impact of strengthening public universities.