MORHEL : A Strategic Project for Strengthening Leadership in Moroccan Higher Education

The MORHEL (MORoccan Higher Education Leadership) project is an ambitious initiative designed to transform leadership capabilities within Morocco's higher education institutions. Supported by a consortium of national and international partners, the project focuses on the establishment of a National Leadership Development Center (NLDC) and a certified National Leadership Development Program (NLDP). University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), alongside key Moroccan institutions such as Al Akhawayn University, Moulay Ismail University, and international partners like the University of Granada and PEGASO University, plays a pivotal role in the implementation of this project. Through its involvement, UM6P is contributing to the enhancement of governance, strategic planning, and institutional management within Morocco's higher education system, aligning with its commitment to driving innovation and leadership in education

Background and Rationale

The success of structural reforms within Moroccan higher education largely depends on the capacity of academic leaders to drive change and adopt management practices aligned with international standards. The MORHEL project, through the establishment of a National Leadership Development Center (NLDC) and the implementation of a National Leadership Development Program (NLDP), aims to bridge these gaps. The objective is to develop institutional frameworks and training systems tailored to the specific needs of the Moroccan context while integrating best international practices.

Objectives and Methodology

The NLDC aspires to be a national reference center for the continuous training of leaders and managers in higher education institutions. This hub will offer certified leadership programs focused on governance, strategic planning, and institutional management. The NLDP, in turn, is designed to provide a holistic approach to leadership development through structured modules comprising practical workshops, thematic seminars, and networking sessions. This methodology combines theory and practice, promoting the immediate application of acquired knowledge within participants' home institutions.

Consortium and Partners

The project is implemented by a consortium of national and international partners. Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, as the lead coordinator, collaborates with Moroccan institutions such as the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes, Moulay Ismail University, and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic. At the international level, partner universities in Europe, such as the University of Granada in Spain and PEGASO University in Italy, contribute their expertise in capacity-building project management. This cooperation aims to establish a sustainable model of academic leadership adaptable to future developments in the sector.

Expected Impact and Sustainability

The MORHEL project aims to train 132 leaders and managers from Moroccan higher education institutions over its three-year implementation. These trainings are expected to significantly improve governance and strategic management skills. Additionally, within five years of the project’s completion, it is anticipated that at least 10 other Moroccan institutions will adopt the NLDP, thereby contributing to the dissemination of high-quality leadership practices at the national level. Furthermore, the creation of a network for sharing best practices among participating institutions will enhance the sustainability of the achieved results.

Launch and Future Perspectives

The official launch of the project took place during a meeting held from March 1 to 3, 2023, at the Conference Center of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. This event marked the beginning of a collaborative process aimed at establishing innovative programs for management and leadership within Moroccan higher education institutions. The funding granted by the European Union highlights the importance of this strategic project, supported by the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation.

Conclusions and Future Outlook

According to Dr. Karim Moustaghfir, the project coordinator, "This project is the result of several years of collaboration and accumulated expertise in managing European projects. It reflects the trust placed in our institution to lead a project of this scale at the national level. We are committed to creating the necessary synergies to ensure the success of this initiative." The MORHEL project thus aligns with a broader capacity-building dynamic, with expected benefits not only for participating institutions but for the entire higher education system in Morocco.

In summary, the MORHEL project represents a significant step toward more effective and well-equipped academic leadership capable of addressing the sector’s complex challenges. Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to the emergence of a more resilient Moroccan academic ecosystem, capable of anticipating global changes and sustainably supporting the country’s socio-economic development.