Moroccan Doctoral Holders in National Education Demand Halt to Regional Center Competitions

Doctoral holders in Morocco's national education sector have urged the government to temporarily halt competitions at regional centers. They claim the process is marred by irregularities that undermine the principle of equal opportunities. In an open letter, they cited concerns over the selection criteria and the transparency of the process. The letter was addressed to the Head of Government and the Minister of National Education, Primary Education, and Vocational Training.

The issue has been ongoing for over three decades. According to Dr. Ayyachi Al Wardi, a member of the doctoral holders' central committee, the situation can no longer tolerate further delays or partial solutions. He called on the Head of Government to intervene urgently and take political and institutional responsibility. Al Wardi noted that an agreement on December 26, 2023, had outlined a three-stage plan to resolve the situation.

The agreement's first two stages have been implemented, but the third and final stage, which was supposed to conclusively resolve the issue, has raised concerns. The current competition for 2026 has highlighted problems with selection criteria and equal opportunities. Some doctoral holders with high scientific and academic qualifications were excluded, while others with ties to regional centers and academies were favored.

The doctoral holders are demanding that the government honor its commitments and implement the third stage of the agreement. They also call for an objective evaluation of the selection process and a clear plan to conclude the matter. Furthermore, they propose adopting alternative institutional solutions that do not limit the resolution to regional center positions.

The open letter cited an agreement from January 18, 2022, between the government and representative unions, which aimed to integrate doctoral holders into the education sector. However, after three years, the situation remains unresolved, and the implementation of agreements has been flawed. The letter also mentioned that the 600 positions announced in the 2024 budget were insufficient and primarily allocated to those already working within regional centers and academies.

The competition this year has sparked controversy, particularly in subjects like law, Arabic language, physics, and Islamic education. Hundreds of appeals have been filed, and debates have arisen around the regional center in the Fes-Meknes region and the inspector training center. The doctoral holders are seeking a more comprehensive solution that addresses their concerns and provides a fair and transparent process.

The doctoral holders' demands align with the government's pledge to change the education system's trajectory. Their proposals include halting the current competitions, expanding the number of positions, and developing a clear plan to utilize their expertise. They also suggest establishing a high-level research center to improve the education system and enhance cooperation between the national education and higher education sectors.

Key points

• The Moroccan government must address the concerns of doctoral holders in the national education sector.
• The selection process for regional center positions must be transparent and fair.
• A comprehensive solution is needed to resolve the situation and provide a clear plan for the doctoral holders.