University: Are professors really numerous wishing to quit?
Who would like to leave the position of university professor, one of the most noble functions that exist and offering many advantages, especially at a time when the crisis is in full swing? Recently, a note from the Minister of Higher Education, Abdellatif Miraoui, noting the continuous increase in requests for early retirement and resignations, both of professors and administrators, has sparked speculation on the subject. Some even speak of a “drain” of human resources from the public university. What is really the situation? We contacted six presidents of public universities (Casablanca, El Jadida, Meknes, Agadir, Oujda, and Tetouan), out of the 12 in office. According to them, the phenomenon is not more important than usual. Not all have noticed exceptional movements in their respective universities, particularly in terms of resignations. What prompted the ministerial memo to be issued appears to have more to do with the “ease” with which the line-managers go-ahead is granted to professors asking to leave. Generally, all line-managers accept the departure requests, which makes the minister fear a crisis in human resources, on the eve of the entry into force of a new reform. Resignations are generally recorded more on the side of medical schools.
While some professors choose to work in liberal mode, others are moving towards private universities, whose offering continues to grow. Private universities also offer highly attractive salaries compared to the public sector. A trend has, however, been confirmed to us by almost all of the university presidents contacted: professors who have reached the legal retirement age of 65 are less likely to opt for an extension of their activity.
Under the Benkirane Government, a note was issued that urged professors who turned 65 in the middle of the academic year to remain in service until the end of the academic year, in order to avoid any disruption for students. Until recently, everyone willingly complied with this note, knowing that by staying they lose up to 4,000 Dirhams (368 $US) per month on their salary (linked to the recovery of contributions). Today, most professors wish to leave without delay.
Professors have, also since the Benkirane Government (Prime Minister between 2011 and 2017), the possibility of extending their career for two years, renewable once. They can thus remain in office until the age of 71, but currently, fewer and fewer subscribe to this option. Moreover, for those who wish, the extension is no longer automatic as before. The application has recently been subject to an analysis of their resumé, and many applications are rejected. Demands for early retirement have also increased at some universities.
Ahlam NAZIH
