Agadir 24 | Agadir24
A group of observers of public affairs wondered whether the new Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Ezz El-Din Medawi, would end the crisis of medical college students.
The students, who have boycotted lessons and exams for about a year, are pinning their hope on the minister’s successor, Abdellatif Meraoui, following the new reshuffle of Aziz Akhannouch’s government, in order to find solutions to their long-standing crisis.
In this context, a source from the National Committee for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy Students revealed that the students are optimistic about the new amendment, stressing that “the students’ concern is to resolve their outstanding files, and they have no problem with any minister.”
The same source confirmed that “the students want to resume studies and solve problems, not to deepen the gap,” highlighting that “their hope is that the new minister will contribute to resolving the crisis.”
Regarding the legal follow-up process for students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, the same source responded, “We trust the Moroccan judiciary, and we want a fair trial and for the judiciary to be fair to us.”
On a related issue, the National Committee for Medical and Pharmacy Students said that the Moroccan government broke records with more than 300 days of medical students’ strike, noting that this is the longest student strike in history.
The committee considered in a report that approving two university years in the same year, organizing 4 courses for every sixth of the previous year in parallel with theoretical and practical lessons for the new year, is considered a precedent of its kind in Morocco.
It is noteworthy that, today, Thursday in Rabat, the handover of power took place between Azzedine Medaoui, who was appointed by King Mohammed VI as Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and his predecessor, Abdellatif Miraoui, in the presence of the Secretary-General, university presidents, and a number of ministry officials.
In a speech on the occasion, Medawi expressed his pride in the trust of the High Mawlawi, praising at the same time the great efforts made by Mr. Merawi, while stressing that the Ministry of Higher Education faces many challenges and plays an important role in valuing human capital.
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Interview with Dr. Fatima Benali, Spokesperson for the National Committee for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy Students
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benali. Let’s jump right in. There seems to be a glimmer of hope among medical students with the appointment of the new Minister of Higher Education, Ezz El-Din Medawi. Why do the students feel optimistic about this change?
Dr. Benali: Thank you for having me. Yes, the students are indeed hopeful because Minister Medawi has a reputation for being approachable and understanding of their concerns. After a year of boycotting lessons and exams, they believe his fresh perspective could lead to constructive dialogue and, hopefully, tangible solutions to the ongoing crisis.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the nature of the crisis these students are facing?
Dr. Benali: Certainly. The crisis stems from a combination of issues, including inadequate resources, overloaded curricula, and insufficient support from the administration. The students have been advocating for reforms to improve their educational experience and ensure their future as healthcare professionals is not jeopardized.
Editor: Abdellatif Meraoui, the new Minister, has taken over the role. What are the expectations from him specifically?
Dr. Benali: Students have high hopes that Meraoui will not only maintain open lines of communication but also prioritize their issues on the government’s agenda. They are looking for concrete actions, such as better funding for medical programs and reforms to the curriculum, to help alleviate their struggles.
Editor: What steps do you think the ministry should take immediately to address these concerns?
Dr. Benali: First and foremost, an open forum for dialogue between students and the ministry is crucial. Following that, we need immediate assessments of the current resources available in medical institutions, along with strategic planning to address gaps in education and support services. Long-term, a commitment to continuous review and improvement of the medical education system is vital.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Benali. It seems like the students’ hopes hinge on proactive measures in the coming months.
Dr. Benali: Absolutely. The students are eager for change, and it’s essential for the new leadership to seize this moment to foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. After all, their future as healthcare providers is at stake. Thank you for having me.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benali. Let’s jump right in. There seems to be a glimmer of hope among medical students with the appointment of the new Minister of Higher Education, Ezz El-Din Medawi. Why do the students feel optimistic about this change?
Dr. Benali: Thank you for having me. Yes, the students are indeed hopeful because Minister Medawi has a reputation for being approachable and understanding of their concerns. After a year of boycotting lessons and exams, they believe his fresh perspective could lead to constructive dialogue and, hopefully, tangible solutions to the ongoing crisis.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the nature of the crisis these students are facing?
Dr. Benali: Certainly. The crisis stems from a combination of issues, including inadequate resources, overloaded curricula, and insufficient support from the administration. The students have been advocating for reforms to improve their educational experience and ensure their future as healthcare professionals is not jeopardized.
Editor: Abdellatif Meraoui, the previous Minister, had a long tenure with significant challenges. What are the expectations from Minister Medawi in addressing these longstanding issues?
Dr. Benali: Students are looking for several key changes. They want to see tangible steps towards resolving their outstanding issues, such as better resource allocation and more structured curricula. There’s a collective wish for open communication with the ministry to avoid deepening the divide that has grown over the past year.
Editor: You mentioned the legal concerns of the students. What are their expectations regarding this aspect?
Dr. Benali: The students are seeking a fair and impartial judicial process. They trust the Moroccan judiciary and are hopeful for a just resolution to any legal proceedings they face, which have been a source of anxiety and uncertainty during this strike.
Editor: The National Committee recently noted that this strike has become the longest in history for medical students in Morocco. How has this prolonged situation impacted the students and their studies?
Dr. Benali: The impact has been severe. Many students feel demoralized and anxious about their future as healthcare providers. The lack of education continuity hampers their practical skills training, which is crucial to their career preparation. This unprecedented strike is not just a fight for academic reform but also a plea for the recognition of their aspirations and frustrations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Benali, for your insights. It seems like the students are poised at a pivotal moment, and all eyes will be on Minister Medawi to see if he can effectively address their needs.
Dr. Benali: Thank you for having me. We are hopeful and ready to engage in dialogue to create positive change.
