The Ministry has issued a new directive which shifts the recruitment of public university presidents and vice-presidents away from the traditional practice of internal academic only selection toward a process based on competition and merit.
For the first time, this directive opens the door for experienced high-level executives from both public and private industrial sectors outside of academia to compete for university presidential positions.
The Ministry states that this initiative formally registered under directive number 1146/2018 is designed to enhance institutional management capacity, operational efficiency, and accountability.
Under the new system, candidates will be evaluated based on three primary criteria: academic background (30%), management experience (30%), and the presentation of a strategic plan (40%).
The Ministry aims to leverage this move to introduce technology, improve financial management, enhance resource mobilization, and drive institutional transformation.
The directive stipulates that industrial candidates must demonstrate experience in managing budgets and personnel comparable to the scale of the university.
To ensure transparency, the process will be overseen by two committees. The first is a four-member committee tasked with identifying and inviting qualified candidates.
The second is a seven-member recruitment and selection committee comprising representatives from the university board, senate, student union, the Ministry, external research institutions, and human resources management.
Job advertisements will be posted in media outlets for 22 working days, and the entire recruitment process must be completed within four months. Appointed presidents will serve a six-year term and will be subject to performance evaluations by the administrative board every six months.
Leaders who score below 60% in two consecutive evaluations will be removed from their positions. Only those with "exceptional" performance ratings may be considered for a second term without competition, subject to the Ministry’s approval. Vice-presidents will be subject to similar performance evaluations and tenure provisions.
This reform is intended to address challenges in modernizing research outputs, ensuring financial sustainability, and strengthening links between universities and the industry. Newly selected leaders will be expected to present strategic plans capable of resolving institutional challenges.
Regarding eligibility, presidential candidates are generally required to hold at least the rank of Assistant Professor; however, to encourage female participation, a special provision allows candidates with a Master’s degree to compete.
Presidential applicants must possess at least two years of experience as a president, three years as a vice-president, or three years as a college dean. For vice-presidential roles, those in academic and research leadership must hold a PhD, while those in administration and business development must hold at least a Master’s degree.
This directive takes effect immediately upon its registration with the Ministry of Justice and its publication on the Ministry’s website.
