In response to the seven measures announced by the Higher Education Ministry for the 2024/2025 academic year on September 30, medical students argue that holding a special session on October 4 without addressing their demands “is simply wasting school time and complicating the situation.”
In a statement to Hespress English, Mohamed Rachad El Mallouki, a representative for medical students in Fes, emphasized that “there should be logical planning for the exams.”
“Announcing on September 30 that exams will take place in 5 days is not logical, especially considering that students have boycotted for several months. Preparing for an exceptional session in this manner lacks clarity in its objectives,” he argued.
The representative emphasized “the need for a reasonable preparation period for students before exams, stressing that there should be two sessions per semester: one regular and one for make-up exams.”
El Mellouki also highlighted the importance of clarity regarding the training duration, which was the main reason for the nationwide boycott. He called for an end to protesting students arrests and the resumption of student office activities.
With classes for new first-year medical students set to begin on September 23, 2024, and for students in other levels starting on October 14, as announced by the Ministry, the representative expressed concern about the logistical challenges of managing two cohorts of first-year students simultaneously, raising questions about how the situation would be handled effectively.
“It’s not clear how this situation will look in the amphitheaters and training sites, which are already overcrowded,” said El Mellouki.
Yet, the students’ representative expressed hope in the mediating institution with who they are discussing and negotiating, welcoming any further mediation from officials to find a solution to their demands and hoping to reach an agreement soon to salvage the academic year.
For context, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation announced a series of measures to restore normal operations in medical faculties.
It mentioned that students who passed the first semester exams on September 5, 2024, can take their second-semester exams in a special session starting October 4. First-time exam takers will also participate, with opportunities to retake first-semester exams later.
Zero points will be replaced by scores from these special sessions, and results will be considered for future registrations without requiring completed training.
It added that classes for new first-year students began on September 23, 2024, and for other levels planned to begin on October 14.
The ministry will hold meetings with pedagogical committees and students to address concerns and suggestions, ensuring a quality training experience and streamlined administrative processes.
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