Al-Zahraa University for Women hosted the sixth session of the periodic expanded meeting of the Council of Private Higher Education. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahd, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, and attended by Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Sultani, the University President, alongside senior ministerial officials and a distinguished group of presidents of private universities and Faculties. The meeting aimed to discuss strategic plans intended to develop the academic landscape and enhance scientific rigour in Iraq.

The meeting witnessed active participation from senior officials representing the Ministry’s directorates, including:

 • Prof. Dr. Lubna Al-Rubai’i, Director General of the Directorate of Research and Development

 • Prof. Dr. Hazem Baqir, Director General of the Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Relations

 • Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ja’far, Director General of the Legal Directorate

 • Asst. Prof. Dr. Abbas Al-Moussawi, Director General of the Directorate of Reconstruction and Projects

 • Asst. Prof. Dr. Hazem Abd Al-Razzaq, Director General of the Directorate of Studies, Planning and Follow-up

 • Asst. Prof. Dr. Fares Mahdi, Director of the Directorate of Private University Education

The said event was also attended by the Director of the Directorate of Monitoring and Auditing, in addition to a slew of specialised staff members from the Ministry’s affiliated Directorates.

Additionally, the meeting hosted several presidents of private universities from the governorates of Karbala and Najaf, including Prof.  Dr. Ibrahim Al-Mahyawi, the President of Warith Al-Anbiyaa University, Prof. Dr. Jawdat Al-Jubouri, the President of Al-Ameed University, Prof. Dr. Nawras Al-Dahhan, the President of Al-Kafeel University, Prof. Dr. Rahim Khalaf, the President of Al-Sabtain University,  as well as Prof. Dr. Yousif Khalaf, the President of Al-Shaab University.

The meeting addressed a number of key issues and files related to the current state of private higher education in Iraq, within the framework of supporting the Ministry’s strategic orientations and plans aimed at developing this vital sector and strengthening its role in advancing the educational system. It is worth noting that emphasis was placed on the importance of complementarity between public and private universities in order to achieve a genuine partnership in serving the academic and scientific mission.

Furthermore, the discussions focused on mechanisms for developing admission plans in private universities in a manner consistent with the requirements of the forthcoming phase and aligned with contemporary developments in university education systems. In addition, the possibility of organising admission procedures within coordinated timelines between public and private higher education institutions was examined in order to ensure greater organisation and integrity.

The meeting also included discussions on several regulatory and legal aspects, including the file of academic promotions, tax accountability matters, and the importance of strengthening and developing university infrastructure in line with the requirements of academic and institutional advancement. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of academic outputs within private universities.

The convening of this meeting forms as part and parcel of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to advance the private higher education sector and elevate its academic and scientific standards. This aligns with the Ministry’s vision of building an integrated educational system capable of keeping pace with scientific developments and meeting the requirements of national development in Iraq.

It also contributes to strengthening coordination between the Ministry and private universities and consolidating their role as an active and parallel partner to public higher education, particularly in light of the substantial academic and scientific capacities possessed by many private universities.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’, revised by Asst. Lect. Safa’ Al-Sadi