“No matter what it takes:” Government vows reform in fundamental sectors

The education sector requires deep and urgent reforms, according to the Moroccan government spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas.

In a press conference following the government council meeting this Thursday, December 2, Baitas answered questions on the latest headlining questions surrounding the sector, attesting to his government’s determination to produce a radical reform of national education, “no matter what it takes.”

Baitas said the “government is fully aware of these issues, pertaining to the employment of teachers, quality of education, access to public schools and the many demands of sector professionals,” affirming that the Akhannouch government “places education at the forefront of its priorities.”

In response to a question regarding the controversial decision to set an age limit on access to a public teaching position, the official announced that “the reform is structural, and aims to include all facets of the sector,” including the improvement of training programs and providing adequate infrastructure across the country, addressing both qualitative, quantitative and logistical concerns.

Baitas reaffirmed his colleagues’ sentiment, stating that such reforms require “political courage.”

The official also responded to questions regarding the ministry of education’s recent announcement of plans to introduce standardized assessment testing across all schools in the country.

Following a multitude of student protests, Baitas explained that the plans were made by the previous administration, dating back to September 2021. Upon examination, the current administration decided to overlook the plan, and that it will not be implemented.

Concerning its plans to generalize the bachelor model instead of the LMD model currently enforced in Moroccan universities, the spokesperson said the government has “not forgotten about it, as the system is being tested in some majors,” adding that “the government is not backing down on the plan.”