Under the slogan set by Prof. al-Delawi: “Not Engaging with AI is a Step Backward,” Cihan University-Erbil Launches The First Artificial Intelligence Training Course for Ministry of Education Teachers
In a pioneering initiative to align the education sector with the latest technological advancements, Cihan University-Erbil has launched the first-ever training course on Artificial Intelligence for teachers affiliated to the Ministry of Education of Kurdistan Regional Government.
The opening ceremony for the “First Training Course on Artificial Intelligence and its Applications in the Education Sector” was attended by Dr. Alan Hama Saeed, Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government; Professor Dr. Amjad S Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil; and Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Cihan Universities, along with several ministry advisors, university council members, and faculty members. The event took place in the VIP hall on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In his opening speech, Professor Dr. Amjad S. Al-Delawi emphasized the importance of the continuous cooperation between the university and the Ministry of Education. He stated, “This course is an extension of the agreement previously signed to enhance the skills of our teachers, with 25 educators from primary and secondary levels participating in this initial phase.”
The University President highlighted the leading role of Cihan University-Erbil, noting, “Cihan University-Erbil was the first university in Iraq to integrate Artificial Intelligence into its academic programs. We are also the first in Kurdistan to launch a competition for AI projects, receiving 89 submissions to date, with over 35 from outside Iraq.”
Mr. President refuted the notion that AI reduces job opportunities, asserting, “On the contrary, AI is a great incentive for human beings to use their minds more effectively and achieve their goals faster.” He cited global statistics indicating that the current 30 billion internet-connected devices are projected to reach 75 billion by 2030, driven primarily by AI.
Furthermore, Professor al-Delawi stressed that for the university’s programs to succeed, the foundation for this technology must be laid from the primary education stages by the Ministry of Education, expressing his gratitude for the Minister’s approval of these training courses.
“The Future of Kurdistan Lies in Artificial Intelligence,” says Dr. Nawzad Bajger
In another part of the ceremony, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Cihan Universities, declared it was time to announce the “technological revolution of AI” in Kurdistan. “The future of Kurdistan and our future generations lies in Artificial Intelligence,” he said, and added, “we may be behind in economic infrastructure, but we can become a global competitor in the field of AI because we possess human capital and a vibrant youth.”
Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger urged a shift from merely being users of this technology to becoming innovators, creators, and designers of AI platforms. He described AI as a “vast global library” and emphasized that it should be treated as essential as “air,” not as a secondary accessory.
He concluded by stating that AI is a “faithful servant to humanity,” and Cihan Universities are fully prepared to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to integrate this science into the educational process from its earliest stages.
Minister of Education: “Cihan University is Always Known for its Excellent Initiatives”
On his part, Dr. Alan Hama Saeed, the KRG Minister of Education, praised the role of Cihan University-Erbil, stating, “Cihan University, across all its campuses in Kurdistan, is always known for its excellent initiatives in building the capacity of teachers from the Ministry of Education.”
The Minister described the course as another example of the strong and continuous relationship between his ministry and the university, hailing it as a pioneering step. He also elaborated on the ministry’s activities in the fields of technology and electronic management systems.
Finally, Dr. Hassan Fahmi, the IT supervisor at Cihan University-Erbil, presented a scientific overview of Artificial Intelligence and the operational mechanisms of the technology, before outlining the course curriculum for the attendees and participating teachers.
It is worth noting that the AI training course will continue for five days, featuring both theoretical lectures and practical workshops. Cihan University-Erbil plans to replicate this course for a larger number of teachers across Kurdistan in the future, as part of fulfilling its academic and national duty to advance the education sector.
