In Defense of the Academic Standing and Threatening Legal Action, Private Universities in Kurdistan Region Issue Formal Protest
In a joint formal statement issued today November 20, 2025, the presidents of private universities across the Kurdistan Region expressed strong denunciation regarding the recent remarks made by Dr. Sarwar Abdulrahman, in which he disparagingly likened private universities to marketplaces. The collective leadership has issued an ultimatum:
A formal apology must be tendered within four days, or legal proceedings will be initiated.
The protest memorandum emphasizes that private universities are official academic institutions, fully accredited and recognized by the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research in both the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The statement asserts that these institutions play a pivotal role, alongside public universities, in advancing scientific standards and cultivating skilled professionals equipped with the ethics and competencies required for the 21st century.
Scientific Standards and Alumni Achievements
The statement highlights that many private universities have evolved into exemplars of scientific excellence, competing with international institutions. The university presidents noted that their graduates have successfully secured postgraduate placements in prestigious universities across the United States, the European Union, Australia, and China. This success serves as tangible evidence of their adherence to global academic standards and their effectiveness in preparing students for contemporary challenges, including Artificial Intelligence.
Economic and National Contribution
The presidents clarified that private universities are not merely venues for instruction but have become catalysts for entrepreneurship. They empower graduates to establish their own businesses and generate employment opportunities. Furthermore, these universities serve as hubs attracting both global and local experts returning to serve the nation. The statement describes the significant number of alumni now serving as leaders and capable cadres in both the public and private sectors as a source of “national pride.”
Rebuttal of Allegations and Legal Ultimatum
the memorandum denounced addressing the characterization of private universities as “marketplaces,” the assessment as “unscientific, unprofessional, and tantamount to defamation and libel.” It further suggested that such insulting comments are often made by individuals whose own qualifications may have barred them from becoming part of these academic institutions.
The statement concluded with a strict deadline for Dr. Abdulrahman: “A formal public apology must be issued through the same media channel within four days. Failure to do so will result in the immediate pursuit of legal action.”
