Duhok Sports Club Stadium, University Press Office (UNPO) | October, 2025 – In a magnificent ceremony held on October 13, 2025, and in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, the University of Duhok celebrated the 30th graduation ceremony for the students of the academic year 2024-2025 at the Duhok Sports Club Stadium.

The ceremony was attended by thousands of family members and relatives of the graduates, as well as a large number of high-profile governmental, religious, political, and social figures, including the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the representative of the President of the Kurdistan Region, the Governor of Duhok, and the Supervisor of the Zakho Independent Administration. In this historic round, 4,547 students from 19 colleges and 97 scientific departments (73 morning and 24 evening programs) received their academic degrees. The percentage of female graduates was notably high, with 2,829 female graduates (62.2%) compared to 1,718 male graduates (37.8%).

The ceremony began with the procession of graduates from university colleges entering the stadium, followed by the faculty members who have supported the students throughout their academic journey, who were welcomed with applause and respect from the students, families, and attendees. This was followed by the official speeches.

Speech by the President of the University of Duhok

At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, delivered a speech, stating:
"The years you have spent at the University of Duhok were full of learning, discovery, and struggle. Today, you are not just holders of a new degree; you are the carriers of hope for your families, a source of pride for your university, and the bearers of hope and the future for your country. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you and to your proud families."

The university president highlighted the university's strategic achievements, saying:
"Over the past four years, we have worked diligently to build a modern and transparent institution. We have initiated the 'Institutionalization of the University' process... and we are pleased that, under the umbrella of the KAAE accreditation body, the University of Duhok is leading the institutionalization process in Kurdistan."

He also pointed to a significant national project:
"Most importantly is our strategic national project in the field of the Kurdish language, which is the integration of the Kurdish language – Kurmanji dialect – into Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has reached advanced stages... and we announce that the first product of this project will be available in 2026."

Concluding his speech, Dr. Atrushi thanked the university staff:
"At the heart of all these achievements, thanks go to the real strength of the University of Duhok, which is its dedicated academic and administrative staff. This staff is the owner of all these accomplishments, and with their spirit of commitment and resilience, the University of Duhok will continue to progress."

Speech by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region

Following that, His Excellency Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, delivered a valuable speech, offering sincere congratulations to the graduates: "It is true that today you are the hope of the future, but tomorrow you will be the leaders we are all waiting for, for the country to be in your hands, and for you to move it forward day by day."

The Prime Minister also praised the role of the University of Duhok, stating:
"Without a doubt, the University of Duhok is one of the best universities in Kurdistan, and the level of education in Kurdistan is currently improving day by day... and we will become a model in the Middle East."

The Prime Minister specifically thanked the faculty, emphasizing their resilience:
"Despite all the challenges, problems, and obstacles that were created for them in their lives, they still continued the education process... You are our pride; you are a source of our respect and appreciation."

Next, the graduate representative, Mr. Evar Shukri Jaafar, delivered the graduates' speech, in which he thanked the faculty and their families and pledged to serve their country.

After the official speeches, the Vice President for Student Affairs and head of the graduation ceremony, Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, requested the University President and the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Lokman Hadi Hassan, to confer the bachelor's degrees upon the graduates after they fulfilled all the requirements.

Both gladly announced that the graduates of the academic year 2024-2025 have become holders of bachelor's degrees in their respective fields of study.

The ceremony concluded with a proud and joyous national celebration.

Alignment with the UOD Strategic Plan (2023–2030)

The 30th Graduation Ceremony of the University of Duhok stands as a reflection of the University’s Strategic Plan (2023–2030), which emphasizes academic excellence, community engagement, and institutional modernization. The event highlighted UOD’s continuous progress in institutional development, digital transformation, gender inclusion, and the promotion of Kurdish language and culture through innovation and research. With the participation of over 4,500 graduates, the ceremony symbolized UOD’s growing contribution to human capital development in the Kurdistan Region—preparing a new generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals capable of driving sustainable development and strengthening the University’s role as a model institution within Kurdistan and beyond.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, October, 2025
Reported by: Ismat Mhmoud Mohammed, Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar, Ali Habib Habib