A heated debate has emerged following the announcement of the final results of a hiring competition for a professor position in Physics and its Applications at the Higher School of Teachers in Meknes, Morocco. The competition, which took place on September 25, 2026, was limited to three candidates, including Dr. Hamza Karraki, who has filed a complaint with the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, as well as the President of the University of Moulay Ismail. Dr. Karraki alleges that the competition was marred by a lack of neutrality and equal opportunities.
According to Dr. Karraki's complaint, the committee supervising the competition included two members, Dr. Mehdi Khattabi and Dr. Mourad Boutahir, both professors at the Higher School of Teachers in Meknes. A review of scientific databases revealed a close and ongoing collaboration between Dr. Mohamed Zouini, one of the candidates, and these two committee members. The complaint highlighted that Dr. Zouini and Dr. Khattabi have co-authored 18 scientific publications, while Dr. Zouini and Dr. Boutahir have co-authored six scientific publications.
Dr. Karraki emphasized that the scientific collaboration between the committee members and Dr. Zouini raises concerns about a conflict of interest, as it indicates a direct professional connection between Dr. Zouini and the institution organizing the competition, as well as two members of the committee. He argued that the participation of two members in evaluating a candidate with whom they have a history of co-authorship constitutes a clear conflict of interest.
Dr. Karraki also pointed out that the general rules for the neutrality of competition committees require members to recuse themselves if they have a relationship with a candidate that could compromise their independence. He stressed that the presence of these two members on the committee undermines the principle of equal opportunities for all candidates and creates an uneven playing field.
The complainant requested that an impartial investigation be conducted into the composition of the competition committee and its adherence to neutrality rules. He also asked for an examination of the evaluation grid, its preparation, and the criteria used to assess candidates. Furthermore, Dr. Karraki requested that the minutes of the competition be verified and that the necessary legal measures be taken if irregularities are found.
Dr. Karraki's complaint did not question the scientific competence of any candidate but rather focused on the integrity of the process and the conditions necessary for a fair competition. He emphasized that the controversy surrounding the competition is not about the candidates' qualifications but about ensuring that the process is transparent and fair.
The outcome of the investigation and the measures taken by the authorities in response to Dr. Karraki's complaint remain to be seen. The controversy highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity and transparency of hiring processes in academic institutions.
Key points
- Dr. Hamza Karraki filed a complaint alleging a lack of neutrality and equal opportunities in the hiring competition for a professor position at the Higher School of Teachers in Meknes, Morocco.
- The complaint cites a conflict of interest due to the close scientific collaboration between two committee members and one of the candidates, Dr. Mohamed Zouini.
- Dr. Karraki requested an impartial investigation into the competition committee's composition and the evaluation process.
