Message from the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Student Day (May 19, 1956), the full text of which is as follows:

“On the occasion of Student Day (May 19), I am pleased to once again express our pride in the student youth in university lecture halls, institutes and higher schools, as well as in all members of the higher education and scientific research community, including experts, professors and supervisors, who work toward improving the quality of education and training, developing scientific research, and linking the university’s scientific and intellectual output with economic activity and public life.

The Algerian people, who take pride in you, the youth of the Nation, and in your loyalty to sacrifices that history preserves as glorious examples for future generations, pause at every historical milestone before moments of dignity and honor. On this occasion, we sincerely recall that generation which, on May 19, 1956, saw waves of Algerian students, both inside and outside the country, join the ranks of the National Liberation Army in support positions and on the battlefields.

Those students, sons and daughters of Algeria in struggle at that time, belonged — within the context of that historical period — to a privileged social class. Yet, through the nobility of their character, they chose freedom and dignity over privilege and comfort, thus earning glory and immortality.

They remain immortal through the ever-renewed memory of their sacrifice, and you are worthy successors to them as you pave your path toward success within a university that is a partner in transformation and keeps pace with technology and knowledge. The State allocates substantial resources to it every year. In recent years, its infrastructure has been strengthened through numerous achievements: specialized higher schools, integrated university hubs, and increasing support for funding scientific research, creativity and innovation, reaffirming the State’s commitment to investing in this sector, ensuring its sustainability, and integrating the university into a modern and productive economy by attracting competence and expertise, creating a favorable environment for academic elites, and valuing the contribution of knowledge to the consolidation of the modern State.

We are fully confident that students and young people are aware of the scale of the reforms witnessed in the higher education and scientific research sector, as well as the progress achieved by their country in other sectors, in fulfillment of the pledge made to the proud Algerian people and to our righteous martyrs.

On this 70th anniversary of Student Day, we remember with reverence and respect the sacrifices of our martyrs, and we pray with humility for their pure souls.

‘Long live Algeria’

Glory and eternity to our righteous martyrs.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”