UOD, JUne 3, 2026, University Press Office (UNPO) | As part of its strategic commitment to academic excellence, institutional quality assurance, and national integration within Iraq's higher education system, the University of Duhok (UOD) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Federal Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq on 1 July 2026.

The delegation, headed by Dr. Asaad Flaih Qasim, Assistant Director General of the Department of Studies, Planning and Follow-up, was received by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok. The visit aimed to evaluate and recognize newly established academic colleges and departments at UOD as part of the official procedures required for their inclusion in Iraq's national higher education framework.

During the meeting, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the ministerial committee and emphasized the strategic importance of this process in strengthening the University's academic standing at both the regional and national levels. He reaffirmed UOD's readiness to fulfill all scientific, administrative, and quality assurance requirements necessary for the inclusion of newly established academic units in the Iraqi Central Admission Guide for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The ministerial committee, composed of senior experts and officials from the Federal Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is responsible for assessing the academic, administrative, and infrastructural readiness of newly established colleges and scientific departments to ensure their compliance with national standards and regulations governing higher education institutions across Iraq.

This recognition process represents an important milestone in the University of Duhok's ongoing efforts to implement its Strategic Plan 2023–2038, particularly its objectives related to institutional development, academic quality enhancement, internationalization, and expanding access to higher education.

The official recognition of these academic units is expected to generate several significant benefits, including:

• Expanding educational opportunities for students from all Iraqi governorates to pursue their studies at the University of Duhok;
• Enhancing the national recognition of UOD degrees and academic programs;
• Facilitating access for UOD graduates to postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD) at universities throughout Iraq;
• Increasing graduates' competitiveness for federal employment opportunities and public .sector recruitment;
• Strengthening the University's role as a leading academic institution contributing to Iraq's higher education development agenda.

This visit further reflects the growing recognition of the University of Duhok as a center of academic excellence, innovation, and quality assurance, while reinforcing its commitment to building stronger partnerships with national and international stakeholders in higher education.

University Press Office, June 3, 2026

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok Accreditation
• Federal Ministry of Higher Education Iraq
• Academic Recognition Kurdistan Universities
• UOD Strategic Plan 2023-2038
• Higher Education Quality Assurance Iraq