Fez- Lahcen Daoudi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said Monday in Rabat that Moroccan college students will be offered scholarships starting from the next school year.
In a speech during a session of oral questions before the lower chamber of the parliament, Daoudi announced that the Ministry of Higher Education would provide scholarships to all students who will file an application for the 2014-2015 school year.
Based on its budget for next year, the Ministry aims at extending scholarships to all Moroccan students. The budget allocated for this initiative will amount to MAD 2 billion.
"Yes, we have raised the prices of gas and oil. Now, good news for all Moroccans. All college students, I repeat all college students who apply for a scholarship will receive it," the Minister said.
"Two years ago, MAD 7 million were allocated to scholarships; next year the amount will reach MAD 2 billion."
Daoudi emphasized that the ministry's goal is to support the vulnerable segments of society to pursue higher education through financial assistance. "We will support the children of the poor; we will assist those who are vulnerable. The money that was saved from raising fuel prices will be used to provide education for the poor."
The Minister of Higher Education stressed that the main objective of this policy is "to invest in youth and invest in science, for we are in need of a knowledge-based society."
According to Daoudi, Morocco needs to eradicate illiteracy, (30 percent of Moroccans are illiterate) by forming competent leaders able to help their country move forward and achieve development.
"Moroccans have to have their Bachelor's degrees or at least Baccalaureate Degrees, and Universities must do their job to provide the social and economic sectors with qualified professionals."
"There is a national consensus that investment must be in science and scientific research. No one can argue otherwise."
“The Ministry had never invested more than MAD 15 million in scientific research,” Daoudi said.
"For the first time in the history of Morocco we will invest more than MAD 600 million. My goal is to reach MAD 1 billion," he added.
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