OFPPT denies responsibility for delays in trainee scholarships

Sunday 09 November 2025 - 14:20

By: Sahili Aya

OFPPT denies responsibility for delays in trainee scholarships

The Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT) has firmly denied any responsibility for delays in scholarship payments to trainees, responding to reports suggesting that the management of these grants was withdrawn from the institution due to alleged administrative inefficiencies.

In an official statement, the OFPPT expressed its “deep surprise” over remarks attributed to the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, claiming they contradict verified facts and documents.

Since 2017, the OFPPT has been in charge of managing scholarships under a joint agreement with the ministry. According to the Office, all trainees have consistently received their scholarships through a transparent, multi-step process. The institution detailed that the true source of delays lies in the ministry’s repeated postponements in transferring budget funds and validating beneficiary lists — processes in which the OFPPT has no direct involvement.

Between 2018 and 2022, funding delays created severe financial strain, prompting the OFPPT to use its own resources to ensure uninterrupted payments. Out of the 968 million dirhams distributed from 2017 to 2025, approximately 30% (296 million dirhams) came directly from the OFPPT’s internal budget. Despite multiple official correspondences, the Office says these advances have not yet been reimbursed.

The OFPPT also criticized the persistent administrative backlog, emphasizing that many complaints from eligible trainees remain unresolved due to ministerial delays. It rejected the term “withdrawal” of responsibilities, clarifying that it had requested a formal redefinition of each party’s role to preserve institutional credibility.

Furthermore, the Office highlighted broader structural issues, including the late approval of its annual budget and council meetings, which hinder key projects like Morocco’s vocational training roadmap. As of November 7, 2025, the OFPPT had still not received the necessary first budget tranche of 500 million dirhams to execute its 2025 program.

Despite these challenges, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Moroccan youth, advancing strategic projects such as the new Cities of Trades and Skills in Dakhla, Marrakech, and Guelmim. The OFPPT reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the ministry to promote professional training and employment opportunities nationwide.