Minister announces better student services

As 1.7 million students prepare to start the new university year, Higher Education Minister Tahar Hadjar announced improvements that have been made to students’ services and living conditions.

More than 265,000 new students are starting university this month, divided between 50 universities, 13 university centres, 32 higher education schools, 11 teacher-training colleges, 51 institutions affiliated to other sectors but educationally dependent on the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and nine private institutes, reported the Algérie Presse Service (APS).

Preparatory measures for the new academic year include improved services in institutions offering 67,100 new university places and accommodation for an extra 45,000 students, thus providing for a total of 1,452,000 students and 629,500 beds, as well as six student restaurants in big university campuses, reported APS.

Hadjar has spelt out ministry preparations to provide the material and human resources necessary for a “comfortable” university return, saying that “even if the provision of services available is not equal, and differs from one hall of residence to another, the sector should not face major difficulties in most of them, in spite of the successive increases in student numbers”, reported APS.

His strategy aimed to develop all student services, which represented 37% of the sector’s budget, encouraging cultural, scientific, sports and leisure activities and facilities, reported APS.

He also intended to revise the system gradually for advising students on suitable courses, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the organisation and functioning of some institutions, observing principles of equity and merit. Other objectives included modernising university management, including digital administration for matters such as student enrolments and obtaining access to accommodation, grants and transport, reported APS. – Compiled by Jane Marshall

This article is drawn from local media. University World News cannot vouch for the accuracy of the original reports.