Optimizing infrastructure for better education: a TOPSIS-based study of Moroccan universities

Introduction Higher education has a lengthy history in Morocco, which is also undergoing ongoing reforms for sustainable growth. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the main educational challenges in Morocco’s higher education system, focusing on obstacles that impact education quality and resource availability. Methods Relying on the Educational Challenges Theory, as well as models such as the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Systems Theory, the study employs the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method to evaluate criteria such as overcrowded classrooms, obsolete equipment, under-equipped libraries, and insufficient digital infrastructure. Results The results reveal that overcrowded classrooms and obsolete equipment are the most critical challenges, highlighting the need for urgent infrastructure and digital resources reforms. The practical implications of this study suggest immediate interventions to modernize educational infrastructure. This research makes a significant contribution by using a quantitative approach to prioritize reforms, providing valuable recommendations for policymakers and institutional leaders seeking to improve the quality of higher education. Equally, the results of this study are an effective communication tool for the public and stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of infrastructure for education. However, more research is needed in this field due to current technological advancements.