The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, today presided over the official opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at “Seddik Ben Yahia” University of Jijel, in the presence of local authorities, the university community, professors, researchers and students.

The choice of Jijel Province to host the opening ceremony carries particular national and humanitarian significance, given the difficult circumstances the region experienced this summer as a result of the wildfires.

The presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research at Jijel University thus conveyed a message of solidarity and support to the people of the province, while reaffirming the State’s commitment to supporting all regions of the country and strengthening the role of the university as a beacon of knowledge, hope and future-building.

In his address on the occasion, Mr. Baddari affirmed that the Algerian university is entering the new academic year with a vision focused on enhancing the quality of education and training, developing scientific research, accelerating digital transformation, harnessing artificial intelligence, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the university’s engagement with its economic and social environment.

In his address, the Minister highlighted several key areas:

1. The student at the heart of university transformation

Mr. Baddari emphasized that students remain at the heart of the various reforms undertaken in the higher education and scientific research sector, stressing that the modern university’s mission goes beyond awarding degrees. It is fundamentally about educating students who possess knowledge, skills, initiative and the ability to develop solutions.

In this context, Algerian universities are moving towards consolidating the concept of the Empowerment University, based on fostering a culture of initiative, encouraging the creation of startups and micro-enterprises, promoting the valorization of scientific research outcomes, and transforming ideas and innovations into projects, products and services with added value.

2. A digital university and artificial intelligence at the service of students

The 2026-2027 academic year is marked by the continued expansion of digitalization and the development of university and educational services, helping bring services closer to students, simplify procedures and improve the quality of student support.

Artificial intelligence also represents one of the emerging pillars in the development of the Algerian university, through its use in education and training, scientific research, academic guidance, as well as in improving the performance of university administration and services, in line with the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

3. A university open to its environment

Mr. Baddari stressed the need to further strengthen the university’s openness to its economic and social environment and to transform knowledge and scientific research into practical tools that contribute to local and national development.

4. Improving student living conditions

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research also affirmed that improving students’ living conditions and support remains a priority, through the continued rehabilitation of university residences, the improvement of catering and accommodation services, stronger hygiene and security standards, and the provision of suitable spaces for sports and cultural activities.

He stressed that the quality of university services is an integral part of the quality of the university itself, and that students should find within the university an environment conducive to learning, creativity, excellence and the development of their academic and professional careers.

From “Seddik Ben Yahia” University of Jijel, the 2026-2027 academic year thus begins with a clear message: the Algerian university is continuing its process of transformation and modernization, placing students at the heart of its priorities and putting innovation, scientific research and digitalization at the service of development.

It thereby reaffirms its role as a space for knowledge and learning, a nursery for skills and competencies, and an active partner in shaping Algeria’s future.