KOYA |University Media 

In alignment with its institutional commitment to environmental stewardship, Koya University celebrated the graduation and recognition of outstanding student projects at the 2nd annual "Zanko Award for Environmental Protection and Sustainability" ceremony. The event was held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Koya University Presidency Hall, in the presence of Dr. Amanj Abdullah Saeed, Representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Koya University President Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana, members of the university council, faculty, students, and their families.

Media Screenings and Documentary Presentation

The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by a documentary screening produced by the Koya University Media Team. The video highlighted the history, statistics, and milestones of the award over the past two years, emphasizing the key global and local environmental issues addressed by the participants.

Keynote Address by the University President on the "Green University" Initiative

During his keynote address, Koya University President Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana welcomed the guests and congratulated the winning students. He stated that this annual event reflects the university's profound vision and dedication toward promoting ecological responsibility. Dr. Zangana highlighted that since the launch of the "Green University" initiative two years ago—originally inaugurated in the presence of KRG Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Qubad Talabani—Koya University has taken firm institutional steps to integrate sustainability into education, community service, and environmental policies through specialized high-level committees.

Campus Ecological Achievements and Sustainable Practices

Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana added: "We are delighted today to present this award to our students whose innovative ideas and projects actively raise environmental awareness and foster a culture of sustainability within our campus." He further detailed the practical steps taken under the Green University initiative, including implementing clean energy solutions, expanding green spaces, water conservation, waste sorting, air quality monitoring, and promoting eco-friendly technologies.

Speech by the Representative of the Ministry of Higher Education

Following the President's speech, Dr. Amanj Abdullah Saeed delivered a speech on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. He commended Koya University for actively transforming the promises of its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan into concrete actions, praising the institution's leadership in student empowerment, research and development, digitalization, internationalization, and green campus initiatives.

Competition Statistics and Featured Student Innovations

The 2026 edition of the award witnessed a highly competitive cycle across all six faculties of Koya University, initially attracting 106 projects from 152 applicants. Following rigorous evaluation rounds, 78 projects advanced to the first phase, and 57 reached the final stage. The event showcased video presentations from the top winners, including Rand Zana (Software Engineering student, 2nd place in the Faculty of Engineering) and the team of Awat Hakim Hamasalihi and Niyan Ramadan Lashkri (Biology students, 1st place in the Faculty of Science and Health), who explained their eco-innovations.

Award Distribution and Closing Ceremony

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards. The third and second-place winners across the six faculties were awarded by the university council members and the Vice Presidents (Prof. Dr. Hoshiar Zaki for Scientific Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Yadgar Abdullah Ali for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Azheen Tahir Sabir for Student Affairs). Finally, the first-place winners were honored directly by Dr. Amanj Abdullah Saeed and Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana, followed by a commemorative group photo.

List of the University Award Winners by Faculty:

• Faculty of Education:
  • 1st Place: Dyar Kamal Karim
  • 2nd Place: Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim
  • 3rd Place: Lava Iskandar Mohammed
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences:
  • 1st Place: Hawzhin Khalid Muhyaddin
  • 2nd Place: Shava Ardalan Hasu
  • 3rd Place: Bahra Karzan Ibrahim
• Faculty of Science and Health:
  • 1st Place: Awat Hakim Hamasalihi & Niyan Ramadan Lashkri
  • 2nd Place: Idris Wrya Akram, Barham Hassan Ali & Marwan Himan Aziz
  • 3rd Place: Nawaz Karwan Majid
• Faculty of Engineering:
  • 1st Place: Rozh Khalid Hassan & Abdulsamee Rebwar Amir
  • 2nd Place: Rand Zana Khalid
  • 3rd Place: Shad Awat Ghafoor
• Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences:
  • 1st Place: Bala Mohammed Rasul
  • 2nd Place: Sozi Dilzar Ahmed
  • 3rd Place: Agatha Nawzad Marquz & Feroz Ali Hamad
• Faculty of Medicine:
  • 1st Place: Araz Jalal Rasul
  • 2nd Place: Aras Mustafa Hussein
  • 3rd Place: Mohammed Mikael Abbas