His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani participated in the central graduation ceremony for the 59th cohort of the University of Basrah the (Lions of Mesopotamia) (Usud Al-Rafidayn) class.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani said that supporting graduates remains a cornerstone of the Ministry’s and its affiliated universities' priorities, noting that advancing higher education and fostering scientific research and innovation require aligning university outputs with the needs of national development and the labor market.

His Excellency added that graduation day is not merely the end of an academic phase, but the beginning of a new chapter defined by responsibility and contribution and it marks the transition of the knowledge and skills acquired by students from the classroom to the professional and productive spheres, where they can serve society, build the nation, and contribute to comprehensive development.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani affirmed that Iraq looks to the potential and competence of its graduates as essential partners in building and developing its institutions.

His Excellency emphasized that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research continues its efforts to advance the university education system, elevate the standard of academic programs, foster scientific research and innovation, and embed rigorous quality and academic standards to ensure that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and capacity to keep pace with rapid transformations.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani demonstrated strengthen ties between universities, state institutions, and the private sector, aligning educational outcomes with development needs, thereby expanding opportunities for young people to work, innovate, and contribute to building a productive and sustainable national economy.

His Excellency highlighted the academic and scientific standing of the University of Basra and its pivotal role in developing professional talent and advancing scientific research.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani also emphasized that the significance of the university’s mission is further underscored by the economic and strategic importance of Basrah Governorate, which offers vast scope for research, innovation, and development across vital sectors linked to the future of both the province and Iraq as a whole.

His Excellency stressed that nurturing future generations is a collective responsibility, requiring the integrated efforts of educational institutions, families, state bodies, and society at large to cultivate a conscious generation one that is knowledgeable, possesses integrity, respects the rule of law, and embraces a culture of work, tolerance, and coexistence.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani congratulated the graduates on this academic achievement, commending the faculty for their efforts in teaching, guidance, and the cultivation of minds.

His Excellency also acknowledged the role of families in supporting their children throughout their years of study.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani encouraged the graduates to continue their learning and professional development, to uphold integrity, excellence, and their national identity, and to view challenges as opportunities to discover their own capabilities and expand their potential emphasizing that serving the nation is both an honor and a responsibility.

His Excellency honored the top-performing students in recognition of their academic excellence and distinction.

The ceremony featured a procession of graduates and faculty members, with addresses delivered by the university president and the top-ranking student, as well as the program also included the conferral of degrees and the administration of the graduation oath.

It is significant to mention that the ceremony Was attended by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Higher Education, Dr. Adel Al-Rikabi; the Governor of Basrah, Engineer Asaad Al-Eidani and several other officials.

Directorate of Media & Government Communication

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 22, 2026