UoD, September 27, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The University of Duhok (UoD) and the University of Nineveh have taken a further step toward implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 17, 2024, with a high-level delegation from the University of Nineveh visiting UOD to discuss concrete areas of academic, scientific, and institutional cooperation.

The delegation, headed by Dr. Osama Ismail IsmaIl Al-Mashhadani, President of the University of Nineveh, included deans, deputy deans, and officials representing academic and administrative units. The delegation was received at the UoD Cultural and Social Center by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, together with UoD Vice Presidents, deans, and their counterparts from relevant academic and administrative units.

From Agreement to Implementation

The meeting held on September 24, 2026, builds on the MoU signed by the two universities in December 2024, which established a framework for cooperation in the exchange of scientific expertise, joint research, academic programme development, and capacity building for faculty members and students.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Atrushi welcomed the delegation and emphasized that the meeting demonstrates the determination of both universities to move their partnership from an institutional agreement toward practical academic cooperation.

For his part, Dr. Al-Mashhadani expressed his appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific cooperation while maintaining high academic standards.

New Areas for Joint Academic Cooperation

During the discussions, Dr. Atrushi expressed UOD's full support for expanding cooperation between the two institutions. Representatives from both universities presented ideas and identified areas where the existing MoU could be translated into joint activities.

The discussions included plans for future student conferences, workshops and activities in law and the study of federalism, research related to artificial intelligence, and projects focusing on women's empowerment and support.

The two universities also discussed opportunities for exchanging academic expertise and developing the capacities of faculty members and students, building on the objectives established in the 2024 MoU.

Sinjar and Preparing Academic Staff for Future Higher Education Needs

A significant part of the meeting focused on the University of Nineveh's future plans to establish a university in Sinjar. The two sides discussed the academic and institutional requirements of such an initiative and the importance of preparing qualified academic staff

The discussion reflected one of the central objectives of the 2024 MoU—using cooperation between the two universities not only for joint activities, but also for strengthening academic capacity and responding to emerging educational needs.

UOD Highlights IPP and its Shingal Clinic

In connection with the discussions on Sinjar, UoD also highlighted the work of its Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology (IPP) and its Shingal Clinic, given the institute's existing presence and experience in the area.

The clinic's presence in the area was discussed as relevant to future cooperation, particularly in fields connected to psychotherapy, psychotraumatology, psychosocial support, academic training, and capacity building.

Building on the 2024 Partnership

Moving these objectives toward implementation also supports the priorities of the UoD Strategic Plan 2023–2038, particularly strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting impactful research, advancing educational standards, and expanding academic cooperation.

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University Press Office (UNPO), September 27, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar