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Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Affairs in Kurdistan, Dr. Edrees Hadi revealed a new strategy to develop higher education in a speech delivered on the lawn at the presidency of the University of Dohuk (UoD). At the graduation party for 52 graduate students, he emphasized the need to focus on short, middle, and long term goals.

The ministry has allocated $15 million for supplying modern laboratories and $3.5 million for new academic books and recourses. The minister depicted two international book fairs that were made in Erbil and an exhibition for science laboratories and instruments sponsored by 90 international companies from such places as America, Canada, Europe, and Japan.

The ministry is working to raise the academic standard by no longer accepting students that do not met all requirements for admission. The emphasis should be on the quality not quantity of students. The ministry is trying to change the perception that education and knowledge ends when one receives a diploma. Instead they wish to instill the belief that scholars should continue learning and improving society within their fields.

The ministry is placing priority on private education. This can be seen in the proposed opening of the American University in Sulaimania as well as other private colleges, including 2 universities in Erbil. The Private Education Directorate will supervise these institutions and will open departments as needed.



The ministry often collaborates with other ministries to supply trained employment needs through out the region. One such collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education was the opening of the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and the Institute of Nursing. There is also a plan for opening new colleges for Basic Education. Another plan implementing the recently created Directorate of University and Society will concentrate on discovery of community needs to solve its social, economical, and political problems.

The unrest and violence in Baghdad has prompted the ministry to coordinate with the Ministry of Health in opening a medical program in Kurdistan. Admission of students into this program is planned to begin with the 2007-2008 academic year.

The ministry commended UoD for its attention to scientific research centers which play an active role in educational reform. The minister encouraged the faculty to develop their abilities and take advantage of UoD agreements with other universities for research to find solutions for obstacles in society.

The minister commended UoD for its great achievements during its short existence. He especially mentioned the devotion to raising the academic level of the university and allowing freedom of expression and criticism. President Asmat expounded on the university's commitment to empower women in offering female faculty and students driving instruction and revealing a plan to construct a designated swimming area for women.

Picking up on the minister's advice on quality, Asmat announced that 2006-2007 was the year of qualitative changes. The College of Electrical & Computer Engineering was created as were new departments throughout the university and a number of teaching staff were awarded the title of Professor. A new governorate backed project was revealed to open a planning institute in coordination with the administrative institutions in the city. Some obstacles were addressed that the university will face in the upcoming academic year. As there is no specific budget, funding may not be available for such programs as dormitories for the rising number of students.

Dr. Edrees and Dr. Asmat honored the students who received their MA and PhD degrees. They also honored four lecturers from the College of Medicine who received scientific certifications from Britain.