Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil Evaluates Academic Milestones and Defines the Strategic Development Roadmap
To mark the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, convened an extensive and high-level meeting with members of the University Council, faculty, and scientific staff across all colleges and departments on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the University’s VIP Hall.
The meeting, attended by the university’s vice presidents, was dedicated to delivering scientific, academic, and administrative guidance while outlining the institution’s strategic roadmap for the upcoming phase. In his address, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi commended the tireless efforts of the academic and administrative staff in successfully managing the e-learning process despite the significant challenges and regional geopolitical instability that affected the higher education sector recently. He expressed his satisfaction that Cihan University-Erbil, as a pioneering institution, demonstrated exceptional resilience and effectiveness in navigating those complexities.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the success of the “Summer Course.” He noted that based on accurate data and statistics, this year’s summer program was implemented with unprecedented success compared to previous years. This achievement, he stated, is a direct reflection of the seamless coordination between department heads, lecturers, and students, who serve as the primary pillars of academic excellence.
Regarding scientific standing and national and international rankings, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi emphasized the extraordinary achievement of Cihan University-Erbil in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings. The university secured first place in the Kurdistan Region and fifth place nationally across Iraq. He explained that this significant progress in international benchmarks is the result of systematic institutional work, adherence to rigorous quality assurance standards, and the continuous enhancement of scientific infrastructure and academic marketing.
A core focus of the meeting was the formulation of a strategic plan to meet and exceed the increasingly stringent criteria of the Times Higher Education rankings. To this end, the President stressed the necessity of increasing the volume of scientific research within a comprehensive five-year plan. He noted that international ranking bodies are constantly raising their standards, which demands that faculty members engage in the intensive production and submission of high-quality, impactful research.
In conclusion, the President urged all academic staff and researchers to focus on publishing their work in top-tier global journals with high Impact Factors. He reaffirmed that this strategy is not only a key driver for elevating the university’s reputation on the global map but also has a direct and positive impact on the professional development of faculty members and the scientific advancement of society. The meeting concluded with a series of critical recommendations and decisions, followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A session with the attendees.
