Koya University Petroleum Engineering Students Engage in Inaugural SPE Summit to Bolster Career Readiness and Industry Alignment

In a significant move to advance its strategic vision of student empowerment and professional integration, a delegation from the SPE Student Chapter at Koya University’s Department of Petroleum Engineering participated in the first-ever SPE Summit. 

Held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), the event served as a practical application of the first pillar of the Koya University Strategic Plan (2023-2027), titled "STUDENT SUCCESS AND EMPLOYABILITY." This participation reflects the university's commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and the evolving demands of the global energy sector.

The summit, themed "THE 1st SPE SUMMIT – AUIS," featured a distinguished lineup of international industry leaders, including Mr. Olivier Houzé, the SPE International President, and Mr. Talal Al-Aulaki, the SPE Middle East Regional Director, alongside representatives from various regional chapters. Koya University was represented by a dedicated student team including Dashtyar Khosrow, Avesta Haidar, Trifa Rashid, Razan Mawloud, and Aso Aram. Under the supervision of the Faculty Consultant, Mr. Awara Ghafur, the delegation actively engaged in high-level discussions regarding the future of petroleum engineering and the latest technological advancements in the field.

This engagement specifically targets the third objective of the university’s strategic pillar: "Empower Students Within and Beyond the Classroom." By implementing the strategy of creating sustainable links between the university and the industrial market, Koya University aims to provide its students with direct exposure to employers and industry veterans. This initiative is designed to equip students with the practical skills and competitive edge necessary for a modern, digitalized workforce. Through such professional summits, the university ensures its graduates are not only academically proficient but also prepared to navigate the complexities and digital transformations of the real-world engineering landscape.