During the meeting, they discussed the situation of Iraqi universities and colleges and the educational process in the country. The President emphasized the importance of enacting laws aimed at developing education in the country and enhancing the status of Iraqi universities.

He also highlighted the importance of utilizing scholarships and fellowships offered by the Cypriot Institute to Iraqi students, which were offered during the President’s visit to Cyprus last December.

The President called for seizing these opportunities to gain experience and develop the educational reality in the country through exchange visits and enhancing cooperation and coordination between Iraqi universities and their counterparts worldwide. He stressed the necessity of developing and expanding the scholarship system to encourage Iraqi students to continue their efforts in acquiring skills and experiences.

In turn, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research provided a brief explanation of the development of the educational reality in terms of teaching and the number of students, as well as the achievements of Iraqi universities in international rankings. He mentioned that Iraqi universities are close to entering the Shanghai ranking, and there are currently 1015 foreign students studying in Iraqi universities.

The Minister affirmed that work is underway to establish a zero-power nuclear reactor for student training and to convert it into a reactor serving scientific research purposes. He explained that there is coordination and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to work in this direction and serve peaceful purposes, especially since Iraq has qualified scientists to restore its role in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Government Media and Communication Department
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
March 20, 2024