Minister of Higher Education Oversees the Inauguration of a Mock Educational Court at the University of Nouakchott
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Yaacoub Ould Amin, presided on Tuesday at the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences of the University of Nouakchott over the inauguration of a mock educational court, in the presence of several university officials, representatives of the United Nations system, and stakeholders from the academic and judicial sectors.
The mock court aims to strengthen the practical training of students in legal and political sciences by bridging theoretical education with real judicial practice and developing their applied skills in litigation.
In a speech delivered on the occasion, the President of the University of Nouakchott, Mr. Aly Mohamed Salem Ould El Bukhari, stated that the launch of the mock educational court represents a qualitative step in the modernization of legal and judicial education. He noted that this academic space will enable students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhance their professional readiness, and improve the quality of higher education outcomes in this field.
He explained that the project is part of a productive partnership with the United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. He considered this cooperation a reflection of mutual trust and a concrete expression of the partners’ commitment to supporting the rule of law, promoting justice, and investing in the training of youth and women.
He added that the University of Nouakchott is proud to host this pioneering project, which strengthens its position as a key actor in reforming and developing legal education in Mauritania, reaffirming the university’s commitment to openness toward high-quality partnerships that contribute to building a more professional and inclusive justice system aligned with societal aspirations.
For her part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mauritania, Ms. Leila Peters, emphasized that the inauguration of the mock educational court at the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences constitutes a significant step toward strengthening the rule of law and linking university education with the practical realities of justice professions. She praised the efforts of the Mauritanian government to modernize the judicial system and improve access to justice, as well as the shared determination to prepare a new generation of legal professionals capable of addressing current and future challenges.
She further stressed that achieving effective and trustworthy justice remains closely tied to ensuring the full participation of women in judicial professions and conflict prevention mechanisms. She noted that the joint project implemented by the United Nations system, with support from the Peacebuilding Fund, seeks to reduce the gap between theoretical education and practical application, empower female students—particularly young women—with realistic professional skills, strengthen inclusive justice, enhance trust in institutions, and support social peace.
