Tunisia's Higher Council of Education holds inaugural session

The Higher Council of Education and Teaching in Tunisia has held its inaugural session following the publication of presidential decrees to formalize its structure. The Council, established via decree-law in 2024, aims to address systemic issues within the Tunisian educational sector, including high school dropout rates—affecting nearly 100,000 children annually—violence in schools, and declining teaching quality.

President Kaïs Saïed presented the institution as a constitutional response to previous educational policies that he claimed reduced opportunities for youth, particularly those from modest backgrounds. The Council's mandate is broad, covering the entire educational chain from primary school to higher education, scientific research, vocational training, and employment policies.

Recent presidential decrees have appointed members to the Council's superior instance and designated Mohamed Ali Boughdiri as Secretary General. Experts suggest the Council represents a shift toward long-term strategic planning, moving away from the day-to-day management that has characterized the sector for decades, and aims to unify policies across various ministries including Education, Higher Education, and Youth and Sports.