A leading figure in language education and a fervent defender of social equality has passed away

Meknes – Professor Bouazza Bagui, one of the founding fathers of language education in Morocco and a relentless defender of the rights of the disadvantaged population of Ait Oumghar in Ait Ayach (region of Midelt), passed away on February 25^th.

After completing his studies in the UK, Prof. Bagui came back home with a strong will to serve language education in Morocco. With a fundamental belief in the power and importance of shared knowledge, he has authored a number of books and coached generations of English teachers and supervisors throughout his experience in the Ministry of Education.

A passionate advocate of equality and justice, he fervently defended the rights of the population of his home town Ait Ayach Ait Oumghar until the very last moments of his life. Hundreds of mourners have paid tribute to the Midelt-region born Bagui Bouazza at the aftermath of this sad event. “One of the major projects he has fought for before his passing away is the development of the bridge of Ait Ayach, a project that he believed would open the region to the outside world. “I was proud to witness all the hard work that my father put in improving access of the inhabitants of this remote and isolated area to basic services. I am thankful to God my father lived to see this project launched.” Naziha Bagui.

Among his accomplishments: design of English Language teaching material of the school of Medicine of Fes, Advisor of the Minister of Fisheries, Author of English and Amazigh textbooks, President of the Commune of Ait Ayach – Midelt.

The Moroccan ELT community is grateful to Prof. Bagui for everything he so generously shared with them and altruistically bequeathed to them. May his soul rest in peace.

Prof. Bahannou Akabouch contributed to this article.