M. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, presided over the inauguration ceremony of the new Director of the Ecole Hassania des Travaux Publics (EHTP) on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

In his speech during the ceremony, the Minister congratulated the new Director, Mr. Jaouad Boutahar, for the trust placed in him to lead and manage the institution. He also acknowledged the efforts of the former Director, Mr. Najib EL KARKOURI, for his tenure at the helm of the school and the accomplishments achieved.

The Minister highlighted the significant role played by the EHTP, under the Ministry of Equipment and Water, in contributing to the development of the country in vital and fundamental areas. This contribution includes the training of highly skilled engineers in technical and managerial fields, as well as the development and diversification of training programs. The establishment of the Doctoral Studies Center has elevated the level of scientific research in its specialized fields. Additionally, the school has gained substantial experience in continuous education, organizing diverse programs annually to enhance the capacities and update the technical and managerial knowledge of engineers and senior executives in the private and public sectors. The EHTP has evolved into a multidisciplinary public institution in modern scientific and technical fields, maintaining its influence throughout this period.

The Minister emphasized the importance of the EHTP in the success and realization of the new development model, aiming to transition towards a prosperous and skillful Morocco. He highlighted the need for a constructive and responsible approach in alignment with the modern developments in the national and international economy, as well as the modern technological transformations that emphasize the human factor as an essential element to enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan companies in the context of the country’s economic openness.

The Minister also praised the career of Mr. Jaouad BOUTAHAR, highlighting his various administrative roles within the Ministry, culminating in his position as the Secretary-General of the school since 2015. He urged Mr. Boutahar to dedicate himself to fulfilling his responsibilities and contributing to the national and international prominence of the school. The Minister underscored the magnitude of the responsibilities associated with the position and the objectives set within the framework of the overall strategic directions, including the enhancement of engineering education, the development of scientific research, and continuous education.

Furthermore, the Minister commended the efforts of the faculty and staff of the EHTP, encouraging them to advance in scientific research to address current and future challenges at various levels within their expertise areas, such as those related to artificial intelligence, renewable energy, water, environment, and climate.

He also encouraged greater collaboration with the socio-professional and economic sectors nationally and internationally to ensure a continuous flow of communication bridges with all partners at the national, African, and international levels, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

In Mr. Jaouad BOUTAHAR’s speech, he expressed his honor, gratitude, and thanks for the trust placed in him by appointing him as the Director of the EHTP.

He outlined the main points of the roadmap for the coming years, aligned with the strategic orientations of the Ministry, to fulfill the aspirations of all components of the school. He emphasized that by working together – faculty, administrative and technical staff, alumni, and academic, social, and economic partners – with the commitment and usual support of the Ministry, the desired goal will undoubtedly be achieved: “To make the EHTP a Center of Excellence in research and high-level engineering education, fostering responsible and future leaders capable of putting their knowledge at the service of the economy and society of tomorrow.”

It is worth noting that Mr. Jawad Boutaher holds an engineering degree and a doctorate from the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in France, as well as an MBA. He previously held the position of Deputy Director in charge of continuous education and scientific research, and later as the Secretary-General of the school since 2015.

This ceremony, held at the headquarters of the EHTP, was attended by numerous distinguished personalities and representatives from civil society and the private sector.