Coventry University Inaugurates First UK University Campus in Morocco
Coventry University has marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its inaugural campus in Morocco, making it the first British university to establish a presence in the country. Situated in Bouskoura, near Casablanca, this new campus launch aligns with the growing demand for English-language education in Morocco, particularly among the younger generations who have been exposed to the language through various online platforms and media channels.
University officials revealed during the opening ceremony that this campus is the first of three planned to be constructed across Morocco in the upcoming years. The event witnessed the collaborative efforts between two outstanding institutions: Coventry University and the British Education Group, as emphasised by the British Ambassador to Morocco, Simon Martin.
Ambassador Martin acknowledged that the new campus would not only facilitate students’ personal growth but also foster stronger ties between Morocco and the UK. He further highlighted the increasing popularity of the United Kingdom as a preferred destination for Moroccan students, emphasising that the two countries are scheduled to hold an annual ministerial meeting in the following month to discuss further cooperation in higher education.
Speaking to Morocco World News, Ambassador Martin commended the new campus as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the two nations in the field of higher education. Currently, a record number of over 1,000 Moroccan students are pursuing their education in British universities, demonstrating the growing appeal of British education among Moroccan students.
For Coventry University, the establishment of this campus represents another significant addition to their expanding network of international branches. Vice Chancellor John Latham expressed the university’s ambition to establish two more campuses in Morocco, underscoring Coventry University’s commitment to contributing to the country’s economic growth. He also highlighted the institution’s desire to expand its presence in Africa and the Middle East through this new campus, which offers tremendous opportunities.
The demand for British education in Morocco has experienced a steady rise, paralleling the increased exposure of Moroccan youth to the English language. Ambassador Martin, in an interview with MWN, addressed this phenomenon by stating that the campus launch was a response to the aspirations of many Moroccans, particularly the youth, to communicate and operate proficiently in English. However, he emphasised that the growing popularity of English does not imply a decline in the importance of Arabic, Amazigh, or French languages. Instead, English is viewed as an additional tool to navigate the globalised business environment more effectively.
Coventry University’s new campus in Morocco comes at a time when the country is actively promoting the use of English, especially in higher education, as a means to engage in international business successfully. This strategic move by the university not only meets the educational needs of Moroccan students but also aligns with Morocco’s broader goals of language diversification and enhancing global competitiveness.
