Koya University President at the 20th Commencement: Steady Steps Toward Digital Transformation and Environmental Sustainability to Serve Development in Kurdistan
On Monday, December 15, 2025. Koya University celebrated its 20th Commencement in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science. The ceremony was held under the auspices and in the presence of Asst. Prof. Dr. Amanj Saeed, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the President of Koya University, Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana.
the President of Koya University, Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana. Delivered a speech. Today, we have gathered here to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who dedicate yourselves to your studies, to the faculty, and to students’ families.
In his speech, the president highlighted the strategic plan and the pillars. Emphasizing the pillar of “Student Success & Employability”, our top priority is creating a supportive learning environment, enhancing students’ skills, and preparing them for the labor market, as they represent the future of our nation.
The president noted the implementation of various trainings, such as the training of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering students in Basra’s oil fields in cooperation with the President Jalal Talabani Foundation and Southern Technical University. entrepreneurship projects such as "Together for Build My City," supervised by the Dutch Consulate, and “My First Project,” which aims to provide students with real-world, practical experience in entrepreneurship.
A major achievement in scientific research, with 1,274 Scopus-indexed papers, a 324-paper increase in the past year, and half of the university’s total indexed research was produced in the past three years, driven by the guidance of the Research and Development centers established
The sixth pillar of our strategic plan focuses on digitalization, supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in collaboration with Huawei, and is taking an important step toward transitioning to a “Smart Campus” that aims to be a distinguished model in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
He also expressed pride in attaining ‘Green University’ standards and being awarded the Athar Award by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Plant your tree – Grow with Koya University’ for the new students (2025–2026) symbolizes the integration of environmental awareness and represents a strengthened bond with the university.
The ceremony concluded with the legal oath and the recognition of top students, marking a proud milestone for the 1,137 graduates as they step into their professional futures.
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Koya University (KOU) is located in the city of Koya (Koy Sanjaq) which is 1.0 hr drive to the East of the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil (Arbil, Hewlér) in Kurdistan Region of F.R. Iraq. It is on the foothills of a beautiful high mountain. Its campus has been carefully laid out to embrace the beautiful mountainous nature.
There are 4 Faculties and 2 Schools in KOU; Faculty of Engineering (FENG), Faculty of Science and Health (FSCH), Faculty of Education (FEDU), Faculty of Humanities and Social Silences (FHSS), Shcool of Physical Education (SPHE) and School of Medicine (SMED).
Also, there are two research centers; Genome Center and Malai Gawra Center. Moreover, at KOU there is an English Language Center (BELC) at KOU has been opened with the sponsorship of IREX and American embassy in Baghdad as well as with the support of Spring International Language Center of The University of Arkansas. KOU has two Scientific Journals; ARO-The Scientific Journal of Koya University, which is indexed by Clarivate Analytics (ESCI), and Koya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (KUJHSS). KOU is a proactive member of Erasmus/ Marhaba Project and Erasmus+.
KOU signed many Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with many International Universities, e.g., The University of Arkansas (June 2015). The Lulea University in Sweden (April 2014), The University of Nottingham in the UK, The University of Buckingham in the UK (Oct 2008), Belkin University in Turkey (Sep 2009) The University of Greenwich in the UK, Cihan University-Erbil (2021) and Tishk International University (2021).
Koya University is a memebr of The Association of Arab Universities and the International Association of Universities.
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