Tunisia-Education in Tunisia: Kais Saied reviews preliminary results with Moncef Boukthir

President of the Republic, Kais Saied, met on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Carthage Palace, with Mr. Moncef Boukthir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to deliberate on the preliminary results of the national consultation concerning the education system, which engaged more than 580,000 participants.

Among the critical findings of the initial report, Tunisians showcased their dedication to public schools and voiced a desire for improved proficiency in modern technologies. Besides, there was a demand for increased intellectual and cultural activities within educational establishments. These insights, among others, will be incorporated into the education law draft following the establishment of the legislation governing the Higher Council for Education and Training, as outlined in Article 135 of the Constitution of July 25, 2022.

The President also scrutinized prior reforms, remarking that some ostensibly appeared to be beneficial but were detrimental to the public education sector. He stressed failed endeavours aimed at stifling the critical thinking abilities of young individuals across all educational tiers.

Similarly, the Head of State addressed the issue of Tunisian talent migrating abroad, stressing that a substantial portion of the country’s elite now seek opportunities abroad, especially in the engineering sector. Over the past fifteen years, more than forty thousand engineers have emigrated, with an annual emigration rate surpassing six thousand. This prompts reflection on whether Tunisia is providing talent to the destination countries or if these countries are contributing to Tunisia.

The president underscored the need of revising several provisions exacerbating this phenomenon, particularly in the fields of engineering, medicine, and other sciences.