Dakhla Launches New Engineering School of Advanced Technologies

Dakhla – Ibn Zohr University University on Monday officially launched the academic activities of the National School of Advanced Technologies of Dakhla (ENTA) in Dakhla, as part of the institution’s efforts to expand its academic and training programs and keep pace with scientific and technological developments, as well as the development needs of different regions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ibn Zohr University President Nabil Hmina said that ENTA Dakhla belongs to a new generation of engineering schools in Morocco, noting that the regions of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra had the distinction of hosting the first institutions of this kind, which are expected to be rolled out soon across several national universities.

Chairing the event, Hmina noted that ENTA has adopted a modern educational model based on integrating businesses into the training system, with particular emphasis on practical and field-based training, as well as strengthening applied scientific research and innovation.

In this regard, he added that the institution is expected to fulfill several strategic and complementary missions, including training qualified engineers in advanced technology fields who can meet the needs of major projects and businesses in the region. 

This will also enable young people in the southern provinces to access high-quality engineering education close to their places of residence.

Hmina also stressed, during the event, which was attended by academics and researchers that ENTA also aims to become a platform for academic cooperation with African countries, in line with Dakhla’s position and its Atlantic role.

For his part, Soufiane Belhouideg, director of ENTA Dakhla, presented the institution’s various components and its training model, outlining its two-year integrated preparatory cycle and the innovative teaching approaches it has adopted, including learning through practice, project-based learning, the flipped classroom, and work-study training.

He also discussed prospects for engineering education and specializations related to AI, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, cybersecurity, logistics, and Industry 4.0, in line with labor-market needs.

The launch marks the beginning of a new journey for the first cohort of students at ENTA Dakhla, within a training model aimed at preparing engineering professionals capable of contributing to the region’s development projects.

This milestone follows the launch of a series of new university institutions affiliated with Ibn Zohr University, including the Faculty of Science and Technology of Guelmim, the National Higher School of Food Industries and Biotechnology of Biougra (ENSIAB), and the Institute of Sports Professions of Agadir (IMSA).

These developments reflect the university’s commitment to strengthening the provision of quality higher education and bringing specialized programs closer to students.

This momentum will continue on Tuesday with the official launch of ENTA Laayoune, before concluding on September 30 with the official launch of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences and the Faculty of Economics and Management in Tiznit, alongside other new university institutions that will further strengthen Ibn Zohr University’s academic network across the various provinces within its territorial jurisdiction.