His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani reviewed the importance of fostering student capabilities and building their academic and professional profiles by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. 

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani also highlighted the need to enhance the academic environment, bolster university autonomy, and expand institutional partnerships all in alignment with national development goals and the needs of society.

His Excellency said that the significance of Basra Governorate is both a hub for academic and economic activity and its vital role in supporting national development and advancing the higher education sector.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani added that the transition toward a (productive university) is a strategic approach aimed at developing the resources of academic institutions and enhancing their capacity to leverage their scientific and human potential. 

His Excellency clarified that this transition does not entail charging fees to students; rather, it is intended to grow the university’s own resources and strengthen its productive, scientific, and applied research capabilities. 

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani emphasized the potential for activating investment partnerships across various sectors including the development of medical complexes, teaching hospitals, and university pharmacies through joint management and investment models with the private sector, such partnerships would leverage specialized expertise, enhance educational and healthcare services, and grow university resources. 

His Excellency highlighted the importance of developing the capabilities of faculties within the applied engineering disciplines, ensuring a stronger link between education and the labor market, while boosting the competitiveness of universities in academic rankings.

Regarding the agricultural sector, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani the need to revive an agricultural initiative launched in 2012, as well as enhancing the capabilities and relevant specializations of universities to support production and sustainable development. 

His Excellency continued by saying that, given the disparities in resources and financial capacity among academic institutions, smaller universities with limited funding should not be burdened with requirements that exceed their means; instead, development pathways should be tailored to the specific capabilities and needs of each institution.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani highlighted ways to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry, the university administration, and the university council, improve institutional performance and expand scientific and research partnerships. 

His Excellency addressed the interests and needs of students, emphasizing the importance of listening to their demands and responding with a sense of responsibility, thereby fostering a stable university environment and solidifying the University of Basra’s scientific and academic standing.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani arrived in Basra yesterday evening and His visit includes an assessment of the current state of academic institutions and university projects, as well as an examination of the requirements for developing educational and healthcare services within the province.

For his part, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Dr. Adel Al-Rikabi highlighted the importance of investing in students by fostering their academic and practical skills. 

Dr. Adel Al-Rikabi that the Ministry’s strategic direction focused on developing universities, expanding their resources, and strengthening their role in national development, aligns with the vision of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, particularly regarding the creation of a university environment capable of cultivating the skilled professionals needed to contribute to the nation’s development.  

For his part, the Governor of Basra, Eng. Asaad Al-Eidani said that the province’s economic diversity stemming from its oil wealth, border crossings, maritime and riverine assets, and industrial sectors offers broad opportunities for building effective partnerships between universities and the private sector. 

Eng. Asaad Al-Eidani emphasized that leveraging scientific and specialized expertise to support productive sectors would enhance the success of universities as they transition toward becoming "productive universities" capable of developing their own internal resources.

The Governor of Basra also announced an initiative to equip the College of Agriculture with 150 refrigerated greenhouses to support practical applications and scientific research, bolster the university’s agricultural and productive capabilities, and expand training and scientific experimentation opportunities for students and researchers.

It is significant to mention that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education, Dr. Adel Al-Rikabi; the Governor of Basra, Engineer Asaad Al-Eidani; the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Aqeel Fadhil Al-Dahan and members of the University Council.

Media & Government Communications Directorate

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 22, 2026