With three university institutions now replacing the Ouarzazate Multidisciplinary Faculty, which was part of Ibn Zohr University, the city has become a genuine regional university hub focused on academic excellence and programs geared toward the jobs of the future.
The reorganization comes at a timely moment, as demand grows for university programs that align with labor market needs and development priorities in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.
According to Ibn Zohr University, the new structure aims to create a more coherent range of academic programs, better align training with areas of specialization, and improve the academic and administrative organization of university institutions.
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In a statement to MAP, Nabil Essafaj, vice president of Ibn Zohr University in charge of the Ouarzazate university hub, said the restructuring of the city’s university offering seeks to meet the expectations of local residents and those in neighboring cities, strengthen administrative governance and open the door to new fields of study, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse range of programs within the university hub.
He added that, given Ouarzazate’s position as a hub for the film industry, the city will also gain an institution dedicated to careers in the sector: the National School of Advanced Arts, Cinema and Design in Ouarzazate.
The establishment of the National School of Cinema, Arts and Design aims to strengthen Ouarzazate’s position as a national and international film industry hub. It also reflects Ibn Zohr University’s commitment, through its Ouarzazate hub, to the sector, following the major success of the International University Film Festival in Ouarzazate.
The institution, the first of its kind in Morocco, aims to train highly qualified professionals in cinema and design, meeting the sector’s needs at both the regional and national levels.
Regarding the alignment of university programs with labor market needs, the official said the university offers programs that keep pace with changes in professional environments and respond to the needs of economic stakeholders.
He added that the Ouarzazate university hub is pursuing a clear strategy that links the development of new academic programs to labor market needs at the regional, national and international levels.
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Essafaj highlighted the scientific programs offered by Ouarzazate’s faculties in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science, saying they respond to growing demand in advanced technology, automotive and aerospace industries.
He added that these training programs also align with promising sectors in the region, including renewable energy, with Ouarzazate enjoying a leading global position in solar power, as well as the development of aromatic and medicinal plants linked to the rose industry in Kelaat M’Gouna.
He concluded that the Ouarzazate university hub is determined to maintain this momentum by developing programs that promote self-employment and entrepreneurship, while contributing to the development of logistics value chains and soft skills.
