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Join on Telegram Marrakech – Higher Education Minister Azzedine El Midaoui dismissed Mohamed Larbi Kerkeb from his position as president of Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra on Tuesday.
The decision, approved by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, comes in the aftermath of what has become known as the “Chikhates scandal” at the university.
The controversy erupted following a graduation ceremony at the Ecole Nationale de Commerce et de Gestion (ENCG), which featured performances by popular chaabi singer Abdellah Daoudi and a group of female folk dancers known as “Chikhates.”
Videos of the event circulated widely on social media, sparking widespread condemnation across academic and public spheres.
According to informed sources, the ministerial decision came directly after the uproar caused by the organization of the graduation ceremony that included popular music performances.
Critics across academic circles and the general public considered this a violation of the sanctity of an academic institution that should adhere to scholarly standards and knowledge values.
Sources that spoke to converging media reports revealed that the dismissal followed a detailed report prepared by a ministerial committee that investigated the incident.
The committee concluded that the president failed in his responsibility to uphold the university’s dignity and prestige, having permitted an inappropriate activity without ensuring its alignment with the standards of an academic institution.
The presence of “Chikhates” during the celebration showed no regard for the academic specificity of the venue, amounting to a serious transgression that damaged the university’s image as a public higher education institution.
The graduation event, organized by the student association inside the institution affiliated with Ibn Tofail University, was attended by several university officials.
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Video clips documented what some described as a “noisy” atmosphere, opening the door to fierce criticism of what was deemed “vulgarity unbecoming of a higher education institution,” especially one specialized in training economics and management professionals.
Many social media users expressed their surprise and rejection of this choice, considering such performances inappropriate for an academic institution that should be a space for science and knowledge.
In contrast, others defended the celebratory nature of the event, defining it as “a natural expression of joy at the end of the academic journey” that does not diminish the academic value of the institution. Supporters of the performance argued that openness to popular culture is part of Moroccan identity and does not conflict with the university’s symbolism.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the scandal has reopened discussions on the role and regulation of extracurricular activities within Moroccan universities.
While some call for stricter oversight and administrative framing, others advocate for more flexible and inclusive approaches that recognize the importance of student life and celebration.
A new president for Ibn Tofail University is expected to be appointed in the coming days, as part of a broader push to reinforce internal regulations and safeguard the academic reputation of Morocco’s public universities.
