Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria – Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes has achieved a historic milestone, securing the top position in Africa and the Maghreb region in the prestigious Shanghai Ranking of World Universities for 2025. The achievement was celebrated during a formal ceremony held Thursday evening at the Kafour Youssef lecture hall on the university campus, with broad participation from stakeholders in the higher education sector.
Hakim Harik, Head of the National Committee for Promoting Visibility and Ranking of Higher Education Institutions at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that this distinguished international ranking “is the culmination of a long journey of work and scientific contribution.” He emphasized that the university “succeeded in establishing its international presence thanks to the high rate of classified publications and the strengthening of research and innovation activities.”
Harik added that Djillali Liabes University’s leadership in the African and Maghreb landscape “represents a national gain reflecting the qualitative development witnessed by higher education in Algeria.” He noted that “the university has presented a model to be emulated in combining quality education and distinguished scientific production.”
On the sidelines of the celebration, the ‘Fennec’ cultural association organized a ceremony to honor the university’s director, Professor Bouziani Merahi, in recognition of his efforts in leading the institution towards this excellence. In his speech, Professor Merahi expressed his pride in this honor, stating that it is “the result of a collective effort in which all components of the university, including professors, researchers, students, and administrators, participated.” He affirmed that the university “will continue to support scientific research and encourage innovation to maintain its position and enhance its presence in international rankings.”
The ceremony also included the recognition of a group of research professors who contributed to this success by publishing high-impact research in internationally classified journals, which was considered a “key driver” for improving the university’s position in the Shanghai Ranking. The honored professors emphasized that this achievement proves that Algerian universities are capable of competing in Africa and internationally when the appropriate scientific environment and continuous support for research are available.
DZWatch notes that Djillali Liabes University previously ranked first in Africa and the Maghreb in the Shanghai Global Ranking in the field of Civil Engineering, within the category of the best 201-300 university institutions worldwide.
