Moncef Ben Salem facts for kids
Moncef Ben Salem (born February 1, 1953 – died March 24, 2015) was an important person from Tunisia. He was a politician and a university professor. He worked as the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the government led by Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali. This means he was in charge of colleges, universities, and science projects in Tunisia.
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About Moncef Ben Salem
His Early Life and Education
Moncef Ben Salem was born on April 1, 1953. He was a very smart student. He earned a degree in Mathematics and Physics in 1972. Then, he got a master's degree in Math in 1974. He continued his studies and earned PhDs (doctorate degrees) in both Math and Physics. He studied at the University of Toulouse and Supméca in Paris, France.
From 1980 to 1987, he was part of a group called the Union of Arab Mathematicians and Physicians. In 1983, he also helped start a school in Tunisia called the Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax.
His Work as a Politician
Moncef Ben Salem was a member of a political group called the Ennahda Movement. He often spoke out against the leaders of Tunisia at the time, Presidents Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Because of his political activities, he faced difficulties.
He was put in jail for a total of about five years between 1987 and 1993. For twenty years, from 1987, he was not allowed to leave Tunisia. He also couldn't travel freely inside the country, and neither could his children. From 1993 to 2011, he was watched by the government. He was also not allowed to work as a university professor in Tunisia during this time.
Even with these challenges, he received support from groups like the Canadian Committee of Scientists and Scholars and the American Mathematical Society. He found ways to teach and share his knowledge. He taught at the University of Maryland in the United States, and at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in France. He also taught in Italy, Germany, and Belgium. Later, he taught at the University of Sfax in Tunisia.
Becoming a Minister
After a big change in Tunisia's government, Moncef Ben Salem became a minister. On December 20, 2011, he joined the government of Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali. He was given the important job of Minister of Higher Education. This meant he was in charge of all universities and advanced learning in the country.
His Passing
Moncef Ben Salem passed away on March 24, 2015. He was 62 years old. He left behind his wife and four children.
