Lawmakers applaud Government’s commitment to education reform amid ongoing challenges

Members of Morocco’s House of Representatives from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) praised the government on Monday for its consistent engagement with Parliament and for prioritizing education reform as a national issue.

Speaking during a monthly session dedicated to questions for the prime minister on public policy related to national education and higher education, RNI lawmakers described the education sector as the foundation for social and economic development.

“A Serious Government”

Mohamed Haddadi, an RNI MP, emphasized the government’s effective implementation of the 2021–2026 program aimed at ensuring equity in access to education, improving pedagogical models, and enhancing governance within the education system. He highlighted positive indicators in national education, preschool education, and sports.

Haddadi also lauded the social dialogue between the government and education unions, which culminated in the January 14, 2023 agreement. He noted that 90% of the agreement’s provisions had been implemented, particularly those supporting the teaching profession. He also cited a growing education budget—reaching nearly 90 billion dirhams annually—with an additional 5.9 billion dirhams allocated each year through 2027.

He further stressed that reforms must address quality, equity, and territorial justice, particularly in rural areas, and praised the government’s “Pioneer Schools” initiative, stating that most of the program’s commitments to students, teachers, and schools had already been fulfilled.

Another RNI lawmaker, Rachid Saber, spoke of a bold reform trajectory in higher education. He contrasted the government’s results-driven approach with opponents who offer “empty slogans.” He highlighted a new national charter for higher education and noted issues such as a 49% dropout rate among university students and 18.7% youth unemployment.

In response, the government had introduced structural changes, including a revised legal framework for university faculty—accompanied by a salary increase of about 3,000 dirhams—updated pedagogical guidelines for degree programs, and new initiatives to align education with job market needs. These included horizontal majors, distance learning, and centers of excellence for students with two years of postsecondary education.

“Continued Efforts Needed”

Arabia El Maharchi of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) welcomed progress in school infrastructure and teacher recruitment but stressed the urgent need to address school transportation—particularly in rural areas where dropout rates are highest among girls.

He called on the government to take direct action using a newly established school transportation fund in the 2025 budget and urged follow-through on local sports field projects launched in 2015 but delayed until the current government resumed efforts.

PAM MP Hanan El Massi stressed that sustainable development and major national initiatives require a highly trained and innovative workforce. She praised the government’s rapid progress in higher education but emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to improve the global ranking of Moroccan universities and to expand international academic partnerships.

She also called for a sharper focus on academic programs that align with labor market demands and on integrating general education, higher education, and vocational training through a coordinated national strategy.

Commitment and Challenges

Mohamed Taibi of the Istiqlal Party noted the government’s prioritization of education after national territorial integrity. He pointed to significant budget increases: 85.6 billion dirhams for national education and 16.4 billion dirhams for higher education and research.

Taibi referenced the 2022–2026 reform roadmap, part of the broader 2015–2030 strategic vision for achieving inclusive and quality education. However, he acknowledged persistent obstacles such as overcrowded classrooms, high textbook prices, weak school infrastructure, digital divides, and limited use of modern educational technologies.

His colleague Abdelhalim Mansouri stressed that education reform must be seen as a comprehensive national project rather than a narrow sectoral policy. He called for a fully coordinated approach to rebuild trust in public education and to ensure every student has equal opportunity to succeed.

Mansouri advocated for moving away from rote learning toward pedagogy that fosters creativity, skills development, and critical thinking—so that today’s students can become tomorrow’s capable citizens.