Erbil: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recently convened the sixth meeting of the Technical Education Council at Shaqlawa Technical College, part of Erbil University. Haider Abdul Dhahd, the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Scientific Research and Chairman of the Technical Education Council, highlighted the critical need for advancing technical education and developing both academic and applied pathways to align with scientific and technological advancements. This initiative aims to meet the demands of the labor market and address the needs of state institutions and productive sectors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting included the participation of Dr. Mohammed Hussein Kalari, Head of the Scientific Supervision and Evaluation Authority at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, along with the President of Erbil University and presidents of technical universities. Dr. Kalari emphasized the value of ongoing coordination and cooperation among educational institutions, underscoring the significance of sharing expertise and experiences in technical education.

The meeting’s agenda focused on reviewing the progress within the Science and Technology Parks Department at the University of Technology and proposing the inaugural conference on technical education. Discussions included job descriptions and titles for departments transitioning into polytechnic colleges and the potential establishment of new academic departments in architecture.

Further topics included granting technical universities the authority to offer mini-specialized certificates and a proposal to establish a College of Technological Teachers. These discussions, along with various agenda items, aim to enhance the technical education system and improve its academic and professional outcomes.