Algiers, Algeria – The National Office of University Services (ONOU) is implementing comprehensive digitalization and service improvements to better meet the needs of students across Algeria, according to Director-General Adel Mezough.
In a recent statement, Mezough outlined the measures being taken to ensure students have access to quality accommodation and services as the new academic year commences. He emphasized that all available resources are being utilized to provide suitable living conditions for students.
“We have developed a detailed accommodation plan for each university campus, based on the principle of solidarity between directorates,” Mezough stated. “We can assure students that everyone has been housed.”
Addressing concerns about overcrowding in major cities like Algiers and Oran, Mezough explained that temporary measures, such as housing three or four students per room, are in place while renovations are completed at residences like Beni Messous and Dergana in Algiers, and several residences in Oran.
The digitalization project, spanning three years, has already made significant progress in pedagogy and services. Accommodation, transportation, and catering have all been digitized. A key new feature for this academic year is the integration of facial recognition technology for residence access, linked to the ‘Progress’ platform, to enhance transparency. Furthermore, the ‘My Bus Control’ application, using QR codes and GPS tracking, is being expanded to digitize transportation services and monitor bus routes.
A new digital platform for catering is also being launched, allowing students to pre-book their meals, contributing to cost efficiency and improved service quality. Food quality control is being enhanced through daily image submissions of meals to relevant departments, with strict adherence to hygiene standards and cold chain protocols.
Looking ahead, Mezough highlighted plans to further expand digitalization efforts, aiming for a “paperless” system. Renovation programs for university residences and improvements to the transportation system, in coordination with the University Transportation Institution, are also planned for the upcoming fiscal year. The central administration has initiated surprise visits to university residences across the country, starting in western Algeria, including El Affroun, Chlef, Tlemcen, Maghnia, and Oran, to ensure standards are being met.
