The National Union of Higher Education, the largest union representing university professors in Morocco, has announced a nationwide strike across all university institutions from February 3 to 5.
The decision comes after the House of Councillors approved Higher Education and Scientific Research Bill No. 59.24 without addressing the union’s demands.
In a statement, the union criticized the government for ignoring a participatory approach in drafting the law, which is now being sent back to the House of Representatives for a second reading.
The union said the bill is flawed in both form and content and reiterated its earlier call from September 14 to freeze the bill and return it to negotiation tables.
The strike will suspend all teaching activities, practical and scientific work, and meetings across universities and research centers on strike days, except for previously scheduled exams, conferences, and scientific events.
Youssef El Kouari, deputy secretary-general of the union, told Hespress that the government pushed forward with the law without dialogue, leaving the union no choice but to take action.
“The administrative committee gave the national office the authority to take all necessary steps,” he added, noting that the union had hoped for good faith and constructive talks before resorting to a strike.
Union members also criticized the government’s lack of response to parliamentary amendments, saying that proposals from legislators were met with zero engagement.
Mustapha Fghir, a member of the administrative committee, said the union’s actions are a preemptive measure to prevent even worse measures from being passed under the final law.
Fghir said that at least 11 regulatory texts related to the law are expected in the future, making early pressure crucial.
While the union acknowledged some initial government responses, such as adjustments related to French doctorates, teacher promotion criteria, and seniority issues, they called for faster implementation and clarification on key negotiated points.
Separately, the union denounced the Ministry of Education’s repeated mismanagement of teacher training centers and regional academies, including delays in promotions, unclear exam results, and attempts to impose restrictive schedules.
As a result, a one-day strike across higher education and teacher training institutions is set for January 22, 2026, to protest these issues.
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