The Ambassador to the UK of the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Hakim Hajoui, visited Forth Valley College recently as part of an organised three day fact finding visit to Scotland’s leading educational institutions, organised by the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).
The Ambassador was welcomed to the Falkirk Campus on the afternoon of Wednesday 11 June, by Principal Kenny MacInnes, Chair of the Board of Management Abhishek Agarwal and Vice Principal Colin McMurray.
As well as FVC, the SABA organised tour allowed the Ambassador to visit City of Glasgow College, the University of Glasgow, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the James Hutton Institute for a series of facility tours and roundtable discussions on everything including apprenticeships, technical training and workforce development across engineering, renewables, construction and life sciences.
After a tour of the Falkirk Campus facilities, the Ambassador gave an Introduction to Morocco’s education and skills sector priorities, and opportunities for collaboration in the Steeple Suite. FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes also gave an overview of the College’s international engagement and interest in Morocco, before those attending engaged in a positive round-table discussion.
His Excellency Hakim Hajoui, said: “I was very impressed by the excellent facilities at Forth Valley College, which reflect Scotland’s strong commitment to skills, innovation, and industry. The College’s focus on supporting growth in key sectors such as renewable energy and health, aligns closely with Morocco’s own priorities. This visit has opened promising avenues for collaboration and shared learning.”
College Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “We were honoured to welcome His Excellency Hakim Hajoui to Forth Valley College and to show him our state-of-the-art facilities. The Scottish Africa Business Association organised visit allowed us to find out what Morocco’s priorities are in the way of education and training, and presented the perfect opportunity for us to showcase how we can work together.
“We look forward to strengthening ties with the Ambassador in the future and exploring possible ways in which Forth Valley College can collaborate with the learning institutions and industries of Morocco.”
Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer for SABA, said: “To close the programme we were warmly welcomed by Forth Valley College in Falkirk – a shining example of Scotland’s commitment to vocational excellence and future-ready skills.
“From investment in cutting edge facilities to a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, the visit offered a powerful insight into how Scotland is preparing its next generation for the jobs of tomorrow.
“The Ambassador recognised clear parallels with Morocco’s own drive to enhance vocational education and equip young people with practical high-impact skills. Opportunities for knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships and bilateral collaboration were at the heart of the conversation.”
Jamie Allan, FVC’s Global Partnerships Manager, who helped to organise the visit, added: “It was humbling to be approached by SABA inviting us to host the Moroccan Ambassador during his visit to Scotland, and is testament to the continually growing global reputation of FVC as one of the UK’s leading tertiary institutions.
“We also met in Edinburgh at a round table on energy and skills, and had some fantastic discussions with His Excellency about where we could assist Morocco’s educational needs. I’m excited to follow up with the Ambassador at his base in London in the near future.”
