The University of Tizi-Ouzou, also known as Mouloud Mammeri University, is bracing for the new academic year, which is set to begin on September 15 for new students. The university's rector, Pr Ahmed Tessa, is optimistic about the upcoming year, citing improvements in infrastructure and a more efficient management system. The university has a large student body of 60,000, which has put a strain on resources in previous years.
To address the challenges posed by the large student population, the university has invested in new infrastructure, including 2,700 pedagogical spaces built in 2018 and 4,500 spaces constructed in 2016. These additions have helped to alleviate some of the pressure, according to Pr Tessa. The university is also counting on the solidarity of its various faculties to optimize their capacities and provide a better learning environment for students.
One of the major projects expected to make a significant impact is the construction of a new facility with 10,000 places at the Tamda pole. However, this project has faced significant delays and is not expected to be completed for another two years. The university had previously terminated the contract of the Spanish company responsible for the project in 2015, which led to a relaunch of the project but with limited progress.
Despite the challenges, Pr Tessa is confident that this academic year will be better than previous ones. He cited improvements in infrastructure and a more efficient management system as key factors. However, some faculties, such as the Faculty of Humanities, still face challenges related to instability in teaching staff. The university is working to address these issues with limited resources.
The university's budget for the upcoming year is 6.7 billion centimes, with only 558.6 million dinars allocated for the second section of operating expenses. The majority of the budget will go towards salaries. Pr Tessa acknowledged that this amount is insufficient but expressed confidence in managing the university's finances.
Security is also a top concern at the university, with Pr Tessa warning of the threat of external interference aimed at destabilizing the institution. He emphasized the need for vigilance while ensuring that students are not unduly restricted in their movements within the university campus.
The university's new academic year is set to begin on September 15 for first-year students, with other students expected to join in October or November after catching up on the previous year's coursework. Pr Tessa's optimism about the upcoming year is shared by many, who hope that the university will continue to improve its services and provide a better learning environment for its students.
Key points
- The University of Tizi-Ouzou is set to begin its new academic year on September 15, with 60,000 students expected to enroll.
- The university has invested in new infrastructure, including 2,700 pedagogical spaces built in 2018 and 4,500 spaces constructed in 2016.
- The university's budget for the upcoming year is 6.7 billion centimes, with limited resources allocated for operating expenses.
