Cihan University-Erbil Student Highlights the Vital Role of Private Universities in Developing and Providing Specialized Cadres
Nian Osman, a fourth-year student in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil, was hosted by Ava Media Channel as a university representative on the program “This and That.” The episode discussed the topic “Which colleges—private or public—can produce better doctors?” In this context, Nian Osman presented a detailed and analytical perspective on the issue, emphasizing the importance of specialization and the role of private universities in offering educational opportunities and developing scientific capabilities.
The Importance of Specialization in the Health Field
Nian Osman began by discussing the changes that have occurred in the nursing and health education system in recent years. She explained that, in the past, nurses generally completed nursing institutes and worked in all departments without specific specialization. However, she described the recent establishment of various specialized departments in universities as “a positive development.”
According to her, this change allows each person to have a specific specialization and work within their field, which positively impacts the quality of health services. As an example, she referred to the case of the analytical department, where pharmacists are often assigned due to the lack of specialized professionals in society.
The Role of Private Universities in Providing Educational Opportunities
Ms. Osman also emphasized that many students, due to certain circumstances or lower high school grades, are unable to gain admission to their desired departments in public universities. She described this as a “catastrophe” for students whose lifelong dream is to study in a particular field, only to be deprived of it by a single point. From this perspective, she considers the existence of private universities as a “source of joy” and a “good alternative,” enabling students to pursue their preferred departments and fulfill their academic ambitions.
The Importance of Master’s Degrees and Job Opportunities in Private Universities
In another part of the discussion, the Cihan University-Erbil student noted that, in the current absence of government employment opportunities, individuals who complete their master’s degrees can benefit from teaching positions in private universities and institutes. She described this as a “positive aspect,” explaining that master’s graduates can teach, apply their knowledge, and interact with new generations, thereby contributing to the academic and professional community.
Quality and Business in Private Universities
Nian Osman also addressed the objectives of private universities, stating:
“Although profit is an important factor for maintaining and managing these institutions, as well as providing necessary equipment and resources, this does not mean that private universities exist solely for profit.”
She emphasized that if private universities fail to provide quality education, people will lose trust in them and their business will ultimately decline. Therefore, she agreed with the opinion that the number of private universities should be limited to maintain educational quality and ensure their primary goal remains the preparation of competent cadres rather than profit-making. Overall, through her participation in the program as a representative of Cihan University-Erbil, Nian Osman highlighted the need to develop the higher education system in a way that expands access to educational opportunities for all students while maintaining academic quality and advancing specialization in the health and medical fields.
