UOD, November 3, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) –
The University of Duhok (UOD) celebrated a significant milestone—the 33rd anniversary of its foundation—in a formal and high-profile ceremony that reflected the institution’s strategic vision of academic excellence, community engagement and global outreach.

Held under the patronage of Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UOD, and attended by key figures including Dr. Amir Chali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Mr. Majid Saed Sali, Deputy Governor of Duhok, Political high figures, the event drew senior university leadership, distinguished faculty, staff and students. The celebration reflects UOD’s role as a regional hub for innovation in higher education, situated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Highlights & Strategic Insights

• The ceremony opened with a specially-produced short film showcasing UOD’s journey over the past year—charting advancements in research collaborations, campus development, student outcomes and community partnerships.
  
  
• President Atrushi delivered remarks emphasizing UOD’s mission to be student-centred, research-driven and internationally connected, framing the anniversary not only as a celebration of the past but as a stepping-stone for future growth. UOD President further noted that the university is taking bold steps towards institutional visionaryism.
  
  
• In his address, Dr. Chali reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for UOD’s strategic direction and commended its progress in aligning with national education policies and international standards. He further highly appreciated UOD’s steps in KAAE accreditation process and educational progress in the region.
  
  

Cultural & Institutional Impact

• A live musical performance enriched the event, providing a celebratory and inclusive atmosphere that mirrored UOD’s value of integrating culture, community and education. The anniversary ceremony was not just an institutional commemoration but a strategic reaffirmation of UOD’s identity as a leading higher-education institution in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Recognition & Partnerships

In keeping with UOD’s values of recognising excellence and building collaborative networks, the ceremony included:

• Professor Rank Promotions: 43 High-performing faculty members were honored after formally elevated to the rank of Professor, underscoring UOD’s commitment to academic mentorship and research leadership. The honoring took place in attendance of Dr. Dawood Atrrushi, Dr. Amir Chali, Dr. Viyan Sulaiman, from PDK Bureau, and Mr. Majid Saed Salih, on the stage.
  
  
• Long-Service Acknowledgments: 35 Retired faculty and senior administrative staff received honours for their years of service, reinforcing institutional continuity and appreciation of expertise. The honoring took place in attendance of Dr. Dawood Atrrushi, Dr. Isamt Mohammed Khalid, the founder and first UOD President, and Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, on the stage.
  
  
  
• Project & Funding Support Awards:14 Individuals and teams who secured external funding, grants or partnerships for UOD initiatives were recognised—supporting the university’s goal of increasing external engagement and resource diversification.

The honoring took place in attendance of Dr. Dawood Atrrushi, Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, Vice President of Students Affairs, on the stage.

• External Partner Recognition: 11 Corporate, civic and NGO partners that contributed to UOD through donation, collaboration or service were publicly thanked, reflecting the university’s integrated role in the broader community ecosystem.

As part of its strategic plan, UOD continues to emphasise:

• expanding its global and regional academic partnerships,
  
  
• enhancing student experience and wellbeing,
  
  
• strengthening research capacity and community service,
  
  

Explore full photo coverage of the event

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIVE BROADCAST OF THE EVENT

University Press Office – November 3, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok Anniversary 2025
  
  
• UOD strategic plan higher education
  
  
• Kurdistan Region Iraq university innovation
  
  
• Student-centred learning University of Duhok
  
  
• International academic partnerships Iraq