An initiative designed to expand students’ pathways from Koya University into the labor market.

My First Business represents the latest strategic step in enhancing students’ capacity and preparedness for the labor market. The initiative has introduced several structured programs aimed at supporting university students and strengthening their professional skills.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the President of Koya University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Haseeb Zangana, met with the committee members of My First Business. The meeting, held at the Pedagogy Hall, was attended by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhin Sabir, and the Higher Committee of My First Business.

During the meeting, the President emphasized one of the pillars of the university’s strategic plan (2024–2027), “student success and employability,” which focuses on developing students’ skills and fulfilling the university’s mission to prepare students to lead and be ready for the labor market that shapes economic outcomes.

He highlighted that My First Business is the most significant initiative toward enhancing students’ skills by implementing this pillar. It will equip students with real-world skills, expand their professional networks, and empower them to create an impact well beyond the classroom. Moreover, Koya University will offer a free campus kiosk to students.

Koya University launched My First Business on September 21, 2025, as part of its commitment to transforming student ideas into reality and preparing them for the competitive professional landscape.

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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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