Institutions

Moroccan universities: minister announces 25-30% drop in overcrowding

29 October 2026·2 min read

During oral questions at the House of Councillors, Minister Azzedine El Midaoui says encroachment in classrooms and lecture halls may have fallen by 25 to 30%, thanks to the « temps aménagé » system. He acknowledges challenges, notably rising student numbers.

Moroccan Universities: Minister Announces 25 to 30% Reduction in Overcrowding

Moroccan universities have reportedly reduced overcrowding in lecture halls and amphitheatres by 25 to 30%, thanks to the "adjusted timetable" system. This is what the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, announced on Tuesday during oral questions at the House of Councillors.

According to him, the current academic year is proceeding under normal conditions. The minister does acknowledge, however, that the sector still faces challenges, in particular the continuous rise in the number of students and the pressure this places on infrastructure.

This relative stability is said to be the result of proactive measures launched as early as the end of August. The ministry had then organised a series of intensive meetings with university presidents to anticipate the difficulties linked to the growing influx of students and to prepare for the start of the academic year.

Regarding the discrepancies observed in the start dates of classes across faculties, Azzedine El Midaoui explained them by the need to finalise certain organisational and logistical arrangements. These preparations take one to two weeks at most, he specified, the time needed for institutions to put in place the conditions for regular teaching to take place.

The minister also stressed the collective commitment of deans, teaching-researchers and administrative staff to improving conditions for training and scientific research. Finally, he reaffirmed his department's readiness to respond to questions and to continue its efforts to improve the university sector.

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