Supply of university residences with Vegetables: The Firm Instructions of the DG of ONOU

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Director General of the National Office of University Works (ONOU), Fayçal Henine, has issued resolute directives aimed at ensuring the timely and consistent supply of essential food commodities to university residences across Algeria. With a focus on cereals, legumes, and rice, these instructions underscore the commitment of ONOU to implement President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of eradicating outdated practices and enhancing the quality of services offered to students. This strategic move comes as part of a larger effort to modernize the university experience and address the challenges posed by fluctuating food prices and resource management.

Steering Toward Reform

In a forward-looking move, ONOU has laid the groundwork for a comprehensive approach to supply management. On August 14, 2023, Henine instructed all university works directorates to commence preparations for the supply of cereals, legumes, and rice to university residences starting from September. These preparations align with the forthcoming academic year 2023/2024 and embody President Tebboune’s mandate to drive change in university services. Henine emphasizes the importance of efficient and adequate supplies, a crucial aspect of the overall preparations.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research lent its support to these efforts, issuing a press release on August 13, 2023, endorsing the Algerian Interprofessional Cereals Office (OAIC) as the “exclusive distributor for supplying pulses and rice to university residence halls.” This step is seen as a pragmatic response to the escalating prices of essential food items such as rice and pulses, while concurrently streamlining the supply chain to minimize wastage and maintain quality.

Strategic Rationale and Impact

This new directive is part of a larger strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for university students across Algeria. By securing a steady and sustainable supply of basic cereals throughout the year, the initiative is designed to cater to the dietary needs of students, contributing to their overall well-being and academic success. Furthermore, the decision to designate OAIC as the exclusive supplier to ONOU addresses concerns related to price volatility and the need for fiscal prudence in state expenditure.

The move not only aims to stabilize prices but also strengthens accountability and transparency in the food distribution sector. With OAIC now overseeing the import of pulses and rice, the authority of private operators in this domain has been restricted. This shift aligns with broader goals of ethical governance and corruption prevention in higher education and scientific research.

Modernizing University Works

Beyond its impact on food supply, the directive is part of a larger transformational effort within university works. ONOU is leading reforms that encompass a wide range of areas to enhance student experiences and administration efficiency. These reforms encompass the rationalization of meal pricing, the digitization of university restaurant ticket systems through electronic tickets, the development of digital restaurant platforms for streamlined management, and the introduction of advanced technologies like fingerprinting and facial recognition in university eateries.

The ONOU’s resolute directives regarding the supply of essential food commodities to university residences represent a pivotal step towards achieving higher standards of student well-being and administrative efficiency. The emphasis on timely supplies, transparency, and strategic resource management aligns with the broader goals of modernizing university services in Algeria. As the academic year 2023/2024 approaches, the implementation of these instructions promises to create a positive impact on both student life and the management of university resources, setting a progressive precedent for higher education institutions nationwide.