The Fourth Pedagogy Course for Ministry of Education Teachers Inaugurated in the Presence of Professor Dr. Amjad S. Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil
In the presence of Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, Mr. Burhan Abdullah, Advisor at the Ministry of Education, and a number of directors-general from both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs, inaugurated the ceremony for the fourth pedagogy course for teachers of the Ministry of Education was held.
During the ceremony, which took place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in the conference hall of Cihan University-Erbil, Professor Dr. Amjad S. Al-Delawi delivered an opening address. In his speech, in addition to welcoming the guests, he emphasized the strong relationship and continuous cooperation between Cihan University-Erbil and the Ministry of Education, stating: “Higher education and education are inseparable, and we consider ourselves part of this important process of educating a new generation.” He also noted that this cooperation is the result of the past five years’ work and remains ongoing, signifying a strategic and long-term relationship. However, the university president also expressed his concern over the low attendance of teachers in the course, saying: “A very small number are present… this is regrettable… We must be determined.”
In another part of his speech, Professor Dr. Amjad S. Al-Delawi stressed the importance of continuous learning and self-development, especially in this era of technology. He said: “We need continuous courses and training to raise our standards and align ourselves with this age.” To this end, the university president cited examples of developed countries like Sweden, which has decided to stop using computers in primary schools, and also mentioned Jordan, which coined the term “computer illiteracy”, implying that students have become so reliant on computers that they no longer use their own minds.
In a significant part of his address, the President of Cihan University-Erbil highlighted the fundamental problems within the pre-university education system, stating: “We in the universities have encountered a problem: when a student enters university, they do not possess the character of a university student. This is because, in schools, the education system is based solely on definitions, causes, underlining, and memorization, which weakens a student’s capacity for critical and creative thinking.”
He further pointed out that the university is compelled to dedicate considerable time to teaching basic skills that students should have acquired during their secondary education, such as English language, computer skills, methods of academic discourse, and creative thinking. Professor Dr. Amjad S. Al-Delawi clarified: “The shortcoming lies in the fact that the entire system is built on students merely obtaining grades, rather than on developing an independent personality for them.”
In conclusion, the President of Cihan University-Erbil described the role of teachers as “the key and destiny of the nation’s progress.” He called on them to be guides for their students in choosing specializations they are passionate about, rather than being directed solely based on their grades, as this is the way to nurture successful and innovative professionals to serve society. He also expressed Cihan University’s readiness to expand cooperation and open specialized courses for staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs, particularly for dealing with individuals with special needs.
Subsequently, a speech was delivered by Mr. Burhan Abdullah, Advisor to the Ministry of Education, in which he thanked Cihan University for this initiative and noted the importance of these courses in enhancing the scientific and professional level of teachers. He also praised the rich scientific content prepared by the university for the course. During his speech, the advisor described pedagogy as “a science and an art,” adding that it is a science because it is based on principles, and an art because a capable teacher can innovate within it and convey their message in diverse ways.
This is the fourth pedagogy course organized by Cihan University-Erbil for teachers from the Ministry of Education, and it is scheduled to continue for a specified period.
