The University of Duhok is a unique step towards the progress and development of Duhok province and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. For 31 years, the UOD has proved to be an educational center and a leader and has effectively participated in the construction and development of the region. The graduation of more than 54,000 students during the 31 years of continuous struggle in the field of education reflects the strong commitment of the university in achieving the goals of educating and building individuals of Duhok society.

On Monday, September 6th, 2023, the UOD celebrated the graduation of the 28th round of students of the academic year 2022-2203. The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, Kurdistan Regional Government Representative, Dilshad Shahab, ministers of the Kurdistan Regional Government, members of parliament, officials and representatives of political and governmental institutions, presidents of the universities in Kurdistan, families of the graduates and the staff of the UOD.

In the beginning, a speech was delivered by the Governor of Duhok, who pointed out the important role of the UOD in the development of the education process in Duhok province and he said that the UOD is the head of all other universities in Duhok province. Fortunately, Duhok province currently has seven universities.

Then the president of the UOD, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi congratulated the graduates of the 28th round and considered this day as reaching a new stage in the lives of the students, who will become active individuals in society. The President also asked the graduates to use all available tools to increase their skills, especially technology, because learning and acquiring knowledge is an ongoing process and does not end with the end of the university.

The President also pointed out the achievements of the UOD, especially in the past year that the establishment of the strategic plan of the UOD was one of the important achievements that is an unprecedented step among the universities of the Kurdistan Region. Finally, the President thanked everyone who helped and participated in the continuation of the teaching process and the development of science and knowledge and wished success to all graduates.

Afterwards, a speech was delivered by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Masrour Barzani, in his speech the Prime Minister congratulated the students and hoped that the graduates would become scientists, wise and innovative people in the future to serve their people and country in a way that the nation would be proud of. The Prime Minister continued his speech, saying: “The University of Duhok was established in a difficult situation and the teachers of this university have been able to move forward day by day. It is a pleasure that today the UOD is one of the most important and best universities, there are thousands of graduates in the Kurdistan Region, some of whom are prominent cadres, managers and officials serving in various fields." Then, Mr. Masrour Barzani referred to the situation in the region and the Middle East and called for a peaceful solution to the conflicts. He also discussed the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi Federal Government and said that they have made serious efforts to resolve the issues between Erbil and Baghdad and said that the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people will not be given up on until acquisition of all constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region.

It is worth mentioning that in this ceremony 4507 students from 18 colleges of the UOD received bachelor's degrees in 69 specialties.

UOD Media; 13, September 2023

Report; Maher Tahir Kestayi

Translation: Mevan Mohammed Salih

Photo; Ali Banki & Harman Jangeer