Moroccan students' union warns of 'dire consequences'

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, El Daudi Rabat - Rachid Bougha The national union of Moroccan students has warned the government against taking a "one-sided decision" to cancel free education for students, after the government announced the move would come into effect from the next financial year. The union, which is reputedly powerful, announced in a statement that the withdrawal of free education would "restrict Moroccans from their right to education without being restricted, which is a basic right". The same source said: "Students are currently waiting for the government to take a bold decision, abolishing the failed and confused past of Moroccan universities, compensating students through announcing the government's clear views and repealing obsolete education policies." The government also announced changes in university management, with senior professors being placed at higher ranks. El Daudi said in an interview was published in "The Economist" francophone newspaper: "We can't continue granting free post-graduate education...the poor will continue to be supported whereas those who can afford it will have to pay...the government will raise this law in the next session of parliament." On university professors, the minister said: "It's important to improve the structure of higher education, canceling ranking systems based on seniority in a final way, and replacing it by rankings based on professional production and research. New standards will include a number of published articles in specialised magazines, the gradual abolishing of the old system, and the establishment of a new one." On the other changes needed for university reform, Daudi said: "Not allowing university professors to spend more than 20 hours a month in private education, removing confusion between masters degrees and diplomas, and suspending a recent registered expansion in masters degree along with not depending on an asset-based system is all required."