The year 2015 was a good year of academic achievements for Koya University. During this year, Koya University was able to sign four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four well-known universities aiming at establishing academic cooperation and promoting higher education and scientific research. We also ranked amongst the 5 best university in Kurdistan Region.
At the present time, Koya University's academic relations are not limited only to regional universities, but it has been able to cross the regional borders to build the foundation for effective academic relations with international universities as well.
The University of Arkansas
On 3/6/2015, at the invitation of University of Arkansas, a delegation from Koya University headed towards the United States of America. The delegation included, Dr. Wali Mahmud Hamad the President of Koya University, Dr. Dilan Majid Rostam, the Vice President of Koya University for Scientific and Postgraduate Affairs and Dr. Shwan Kamal Rachid, the former Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health.
The program of the Koya University delegation's visit centered on getting acquainted with the education process in the counterpart departments, research and laboratories of the host University and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with them. During the four-day visit, the delegation of Koya University held close meetings with eight departments and was able to get a good insight about their academic life. In a statement to the Koya University Newsletter Dr. Wali Mahmud, head of the delegation stated, “The delegation of Koya University was warmly received by the leadership team of University of Arkansas and during a main gathering, we held a seminar where we introduced Koya University and then a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the presidents of the two universities. On the last day of our visit, a special and academic MoU was signed between Koya University and Spring International Language Center (SILC)." The President also referred to and praised the efforts of the members of the Koya University delegation and added, "With good cooperation we were able to successfully conclude our visit and establish good academic relations with University of Arkansas." For more information click here.
Isfahan University of Technology
The 8th of September, 2015 was not an ordinary day. On this day, Koya University reaped the harvest of two years work and preparation to establish close relations and a shared vision with Isfahan University of Technology, one of the most well-known Iranian universities. On that day, a senior delegation from the above-mentioned university visited Koya University. The delegation included the President of the University accompanied by ten members of the management board of the University. They were received by the President of Koya University and the Koya University Council members.
In a speech at the Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Engineering, while receiving the guests, Dr. Wali Mahmud, stated, “This visit of Isfahan University of Technology is the outcome of close relations with Isfahan University, which dates back to 2013; however, the relations between Koya and Iran have long history. At present, while this delegation is visiting our university, Kurdistan Region universities and the government are facing a hard time due to the current economic crises; however, with determination and enthusiasm for knowledge being our priority, we are hopeful that we will achieve success.”
The President also referred to the administrative structure of Koya University saying, "Koya University consists of four faculties and a medical school, along with 450 teachers and more than 650 employees comprising the academic and administrative staff of the University. The number of its students is more than 5000, in addition to MA and PhD students in some of its faculties.”
The final item of the agenda of the visit was signing a Memorandum of Understanding by Dr. Wali Mahmud Hamad, President of Koya University, and Dr. Mohammad Mudaris Hashmi, President of Isfahan University of Technology. The MoU includes different scientific issues and academic relations and cooperation between both sides. For more information click here.
Freiburg University in Germany
During their participation in the workshop of Iraq- German Universities Network Symposium of the Iraqi and German partner universities, Koya University and Freiburg University in Germany signed a MoU.
On the 16th and 17th November 2015, the Iraq-German Universities Network Symposium held its second workshop at Salahaddin University in Erbil city. It was attended by six Iraqi partner universities including Koya University, Salahaddin University, Baghdad University of Technology, Erbil Polytechnic University, Kirkuk University and Cihan University-Erbil. The main purpose of the workshop was to establish close academic relations and cooperation in the field of scientific research between the Iraqi and German partner universities.
Concerning the MoU, Dr. Mohammed Haseeb, Dean of Faculty of Engineering states,"One of the universities that was able to participate in this workshop this year was Koya University, and this was through signing a MoU with the German Freiburg University." He also says," The terms of the agreement focus on joint academic and scientific cooperation and research between the two universities." For more information click here.
MoU with Halabja University
At the Meeting Hall of Koya University Council at the Presidency of Koya University, on Monday 14/12/2015 at 10:00 a.m., in the presence of the presidents and members of the Councils of both Koya and Halabja Universities, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Koya and Halabja Universities.
At the beginning, Dr. Wali Mahmud Hamad, President of Koya University, as the representative of Koya University, referred to the importance of establishing close academic relations between the local universities in order to enhance the academic situation in Kurdistan Region. The President of Koya University stated, "Exchanging our visions, experiences and ideas will be of great advantage to the universities." With regard to Koya University's relations with Halabja University, the President of Koya University said, "We are pleased to sign this MoU with Halabja University and we hope it will become a strong foundation for the exchange of our academic ideas and experiences." He also referred to Halabja city as the symbol of Kurdistan.
Later, Dr. Khasraw Abdulla Ali, President of Halabja University referred to the distinguished role of Koya city and its personalities, and praised Koya as a city having a remarkable political, cultural and scientific status. The President of Halabja University stated, "We are delighted to, for the first time, sign this MoU with Koya University as two local universities within Kurdistan Region. There is no doubt that establishing close relations among the universities of Kurdistan Region will serve the interest of higher education and promote it. We hope that signing this MoU will lead to great success and achievements for both Universities."
After delivering their speeches, the two Presidents of Koya and Halabja Universities signed the MoU and both sides agreed on continuous cooperation and relations in order to implement the terms set out in the MoU. They also stressed the need for sharing their gained experiences with each other. For more information click here.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties. Universities can use MoUs to establish official partnerships. MoUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect. It's a collection of vital points of accord between two or more entities that intend to establish a working relationship of some sort.
