Moroccan law professor jailed in expanding university corruption probe

A law professor at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir has been placed in pretrial detention by the investigative judge in charge of financial crimes at the Marrakesh Court of Appeals, amid a widening investigation into alleged diploma fraud and corruption in Moroccan higher education.

Six others have been placed under judicial supervision as authorities probe what sources are calling one of the most serious academic corruption scandals in recent years — a case dubbed by local media as “money for diplomas.” Investigators are examining whether forged degrees were used in questionable admissions to Morocco’s bar examinations in 2022 and 2023.

The detained professor, identified as Ahmed Qilich, previously coordinated a master’s program that had long faced allegations of favoritism and misconduct. Former students and legal professionals have raised red flags for years, including claims that some graduates paid up to 250,000 dirhams (approx. $25,000) in exchange for diplomas that later enabled them to secure bar admission.

According to a former law student and member of the National Committee for Bar Exam Victims, the complaints were not limited to students but were echoed by fellow faculty members and administrators. He said the professor maintained close ties with university and legal officials, allowing a “network of influence” to facilitate questionable hires and admissions.

The professor’s wife — a practicing attorney — is reportedly also under investigation, along with a former court registry chief in Safi, his son (a trainee lawyer), and several other attorneys and faculty members, suggesting a broader scheme involving legal sector gatekeeping.

Academic Integrity in the Spotlight

The unfolding scandal has sparked national concern over the integrity of Moroccan universities, with experts warning that widespread corruption is undermining the credibility of academic institutions and threatening public trust.

Mohamed Akdira, an academic and public policy expert, said the recurrence of scandals — including diploma sales, sexual harassment, and scientific plagiarism — calls into question the governance systems in place. “There’s a crisis in how some faculty are recruited and evaluated,” Akdira said, advocating for more rigorous ethical vetting and the introduction of psychological screening during faculty hiring.

He also called for the activation of university ethics committees, internal audits, and external reviews by the Court of Auditors, to restore transparency and public confidence.

Calls for Reform and Caution

Another educational policy expert, El-Houcine Zahidi, cautioned against generalizing the scandal to the entire academic sector. While condemning the alleged misconduct as “disgraceful and harmful,” he urged observers to await the official results of the investigation before casting broad judgments.

Zahidi said the reputational damage extends beyond individuals, potentially affecting the entire academic body and Morocco’s standing in global higher education circles. He described the allegations as a “tragic betrayal” of the mission of universities, which have historically served as cultural and scientific beacons for the nation.

Broader Implications

The Ministry of Higher Education is facing mounting pressure to implement systemic reforms, with rights groups and educators demanding new governance mechanisms that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Critics argue that unless structural changes are made — including independent oversight of admissions and evaluation processes — Morocco risks producing graduates ill-equipped for public service and perpetuating cycles of administrative and political dysfunction.

Despite the severity of the allegations, observers note that Moroccan academia still harbors many dedicated and honest scholars. But, they warn, unless protected and empowered, such faculty may find themselves increasingly marginalized within a compromised system.