A fire broke out late Sunday night in a female student dormitory at an annex of the university residence in Oujda, causing panic among students.
According to local sources, the fire was quickly contained, preventing any casualties. However, the incident caused material damage to the dormitory due to an electrical spark from an external meter.
In response, students staged a protest march from the university residence to the Eastern Region Governorate headquarters, voicing concerns over safety conditions and the persistent lack of potable water.
The protest was reminiscent of a previous fire on September 12, 2022, in a male dormitory, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. However, security forces blocked the march at Mohammed VI Avenue, preventing further escalation.
This incident brings renewed attention to the deteriorating infrastructure of university residences. A parliamentary fact-finding mission previously flagged the poor conditions and overcrowding in several student housing facilities.
Additionally, Higher Education Minister Azeddine Midaoui acknowledged in December that many university residences require urgent renovations, particularly in terms of safety standards, to prevent tragedies like the one witnessed in Oujda.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.