The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, honored the student winners of the third edition of the Higher Education Reading Award for the year 2025.

In his speech, delivered in the presence of senior ministry officials, the President of the Iraqi Academics Syndicate, university presidents, and college deans, the Minister affirmed that the Ministry’s adoption of these inspiring initiatives aligns with its vision to promote a culture of reading, spread productive awareness, and empower students to engage positively with knowledge—moving beyond simple reception toward broader horizons of analysis and critique. He noted that non-traditional reading is one of the most important paths for enhancing students’ intellectual capabilities and strengthening their ability to face challenges and develop informed perspectives that shape a conscious academic identity.

He further explained that the Higher Education Reading Award represents a continuation of the trajectory of the Iraqi academic movement, through which universities have demonstrated a strong presence and impact in global databases and rankings, achieving notable contributions in the field of rigorous scientific engagement.

The event included remarks from the organizing committee, followed by a speech from the Ministry’s Advisor, Dr. Alaa Abdul-Hassan, along with a documentary film about the award. The ceremony concluded with Minister Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi taking commemorative photos with the winning students and members of the organizing committee, praising their efforts in planning and execution, and congratulating all participants for their engagement in these creative and knowledge-enriching spaces.