BY: Dr. Hana Saada
During an inspection tour in Béchar, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed the strategic importance of transitioning to English in medical education, as a university professor confirmed that scientific research is already conducted in English
Algiers, Algeria | April 26th, 2025 — In a moment that underscored Algeria’s ongoing educational reform and scientific modernization, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirmed his firm support for the transition to English in medical education, describing the shift as a “sound decision” during his working and inspection visit to Béchar.
While touring major infrastructure projects and inspecting the region’s development progress, President Tebboune made a significant stop at Béchar’s Faculty of Medicine, where he engaged directly with students and faculty members. The exchange turned to the highly anticipated linguistic reform in higher education, particularly in the medical field.
In response to the President’s inquiry regarding the implementation of English in the curriculum, a university hospital professor offered a compelling justification, stating: “All scientific research, academic journals, and publications in the medical sciences are already produced in English. Teaching medicine in English is not only practical but essential for aligning with international standards and ensuring global compatibility of our future doctors.”
President Tebboune welcomed the explanation with visible approval, reiterating his conviction that the decision to adopt English over other languages in the scientific and medical fields was indeed the right course of action. “It is a sound decision,” he said, endorsing the transition as a strategic pillar in Algeria’s broader vision for academic excellence and global integration.
This endorsement comes as Algeria continues to progressively introduce English in higher education institutions, particularly in technical and scientific disciplines, as part of a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on French and to align with global academic and scientific communities.
The President’s visit to Béchar included the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to balanced regional development and improved public services in southern Algeria.
