SIDI BEL ABBES, Algeria – Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes is celebrating its achievement as the top-ranked university in Africa and the Maghreb region, according to the Shanghai Ranking of World Universities for 2025.
A formal ceremony was held Thursday evening at the Kaafor 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 prestigious international ranking is “the culmination of a long journey of work and scientific contribution.” He emphasized that the university “has 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 leading position in Africa and the Maghreb “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 prestigious scientific production.”
On the sidelines of the celebration, the ‘Fennec’ Cultural Association organized a ceremony to honor the university’s director, Professor Bouziane 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 collective work shared by all components of the university, including professors, researchers, students, and administrators.” 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 honoring 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 the university’s advancement in the Shanghai ranking.
The honored professors affirmed that this achievement demonstrates that the Algerian university is capable of competing in Africa and internationally when the appropriate scientific environment and continuous support for research are available.
Djillali Liabes University previously ranked first in Africa and the Maghreb in the field of Civil Engineering in the Shanghai Global Ranking, within the category of the best 201–300 university institutions worldwide, as well as first in the Maghreb and second in Africa in the field of Mechanical Engineering, within the category of the best 301–400 university institutions globally.
