The National Union of Algerian Students Commends President’s Ambitious Digitization Initiative for Higher Education
BY: Hana Saada
Mostaganem, Algeria – August 27, 2023– The National Union of Algerian Students (NUAS) held its thirty-first edition of the summer camp, named in honor of the late Saad Zougai, in the university city of Mostaganem from August 14 to August 21, 2023. During this event, participants enthusiastically lauded President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s groundbreaking project, which endeavors to digitalize various sectors, including higher education. The project’s emphasis on achieving sustainable development was deemed essential to ensure a better quality of life for Algerian students.
Efforts to Modernize Higher Education Applauded
The summer camp attendees appreciated the Ministry’s responsiveness to the outputs of NUAS’s previous summer university sessions spanning the years 2015 to 2017 and 2022. Moreover, they recognized the concerted efforts of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research to revamp and reform the higher education sector, aligning it with both national and international demands. This reform, participants noted, would significantly elevate the standard of student life and education quality.
Comprehensive Reforms for Enhanced Educational Landscape
During discussions, attendees emphasized the importance of granting sufficient time to comprehensively discuss and enrich the sector reform project, particularly in pedagogy. This approach aims to facilitate the creation of meticulous and in-depth studies that form the basis of a holistic reform initiative. Key objectives include improved training quality, enhanced management governance, and fostering collaboration between universities and the economic sphere to secure graduates’ employment prospects and promote entrepreneurial projects.
Participants stated that it’s high time to address the issue of brain drain—a phenomenon that saps the country of scientific talents. They called for a strategy focused on bringing back expatriate Algerian experts to contribute their insights and experiences to higher education reform. This approach, they argued, would create an environment conducive to research, innovation, and creativity.
Advancing English-Language Education and Streamlining Graduate Studies
The attendees’ final statement endorsed the development of a roadmap for successful implementation of English-language instruction in universities, tailored to specialized fields of study. Additionally, they advocated for direct entry of graduates from the Higher School of Primary Education Teachers into master’s programs, obviating the need to re-register for the third year of their bachelor’s degrees. Concurrently, the participants reiterated their historical demand to dissolve the National Office for University Services.
NUAS’s Commitment to Elevate the Algerian University
NUAS affirmed its readiness for constructive dialogue within the university community to resolve all issues. The Union expressed its unwavering commitment to acting as a conduit for ideas and representation of the student body, striving to elevate Algerian universities to their rightful place as national centers of excellence. By fulfilling their role in national development efforts, these institutions are poised to propel the broader society forward.
Global Solidarity and Diplomatic Engagement
On the international stage, participants voiced unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and denounced the inhumane actions carried out by the oppressive Zionist entity against the Palestinian people. They also commended Algeria’s leadership and people for their efforts in this regard. Equally, the Sahrawi issue, emblematic of decolonization in Africa, garnered attention. Participants called for fair and unbiased implementation of United Nations charters, advocating for a just referendum that empowers the Sahrawi people to determine their destiny.
A Vision for a United Algeria
In closing, the attendees commended Algeria’s diplomatic role in resolving the political crisis in Niger, a step seen as pivotal for regional stability. By closing the doors to conflict, the Algerian state has thwarted forces hostile to the nation. The Union affirmed its dedication to translating the camp’s outcomes into tangible actions to promote unity and secure a brighter future.
In a gesture of gratitude, the participants extended heartfelt thanks to all contributors, near and far, who played a part in the summer camp’s success. With a hopeful eye towards the future, they expressed anticipation for future editions of the camp, demonstrating the Union’s enduring commitment to guiding student movements throughout Algeria.
