On September 22, 2026, Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamal Baddari, visited the University of Muhammad Sidiq bin Yahya in Jijel, where he inaugurated several new pedagogical structures. These include an entrepreneurship development center, a higher school for teachers, and the digitization of the law faculty, along with high-flow internet provision. These new facilities aim to enhance the university's educational and research capabilities.
During his visit, Minister Baddari emphasized that these new structures align with the university's new vision, which focuses on converting knowledge into power, science into solutions, and innovation into projects. He highlighted that the goal is to transition from a digital university to a fourth-generation university. This involves implementing a national artificial intelligence strategy and advancing scientific research from knowledge production to impact creation.
The Minister also mentioned that the fourth-generation university model prioritizes digitization, intelligence, entrepreneurship, and global openness. This approach is expected to make the university a genuine partner in implementing Algeria's 2024-2027 development vision. Furthermore, Baddari announced plans to introduce new specialties that address future needs.
In addition to inaugurating the new structures, Minister Baddari visited an exhibition of books in English written by university professors. He also inspected the construction site of the new university pole in Aouana and observed the state of facilities, particularly the stalled medicine faculty project, which has a capacity of 1,000 seats.
The Wali (Governor) of Jijel emphasized that reviving the stalled medicine faculty project is a priority. This is crucial as students from the medicine annex have reached their fourth year and require a specialized faculty to continue their university education. The new faculty is expected to address this need.
The visit also included a review of the new school for teachers, which will accommodate 1,200 new students. The school's opening is part of the efforts to enhance the university's educational offerings.
The developments at the University of Muhammad Sidiq bin Yahya reflect the Algerian government's commitment to improving higher education and scientific research. The new structures and plans aim to modernize the university and make it more responsive to national development needs.
Key points
- The Algerian government is prioritizing the development of higher education and scientific research.
- A new medicine faculty with a capacity of 1,000 seats is planned for the University of Jijel.
- The university aims to transition into a fourth-generation university model focusing on digitization, intelligence, and entrepreneurship.
