Considering his official assumption of duties, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani chaired a meeting with the Ministry’s senior staff and welcoming the attendees, he underscored the importance of preserving institutional continuity and integrating efforts to advance the Higher Education and Scientific Research system, while enhancing the efficiency of academic and administrative performance across the Ministry’s various bodies and universities.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani instigated his remarks with a prayer: "O Allah, we beseech You for a noble state one that honors Islam and its followers, humbles hypocrisy and its adherents, and makes us among those who call others to Your obedience and lead them toward Your path” and emphasized the necessity of consolidating university autonomy, enabling institutions to carry out their academic and administrative functions within established legal frameworks.

His Excellency highlighted a strategic move to implement an autonomy model across ten universities, serving as a benchmark for improving university management, transitioning toward self-financing, and diversifying financial resources, this, in turn, will strengthen their capacity to meet development requirements and address their specific scientific and educational priorities.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani stressed that universities must fulfill their role as sources of knowledge and hubs for its production and advancement.

His Excellency urged that the outcomes of higher education extend beyond mere academic achievement to encompass the development of skills, the cultivation of professional conduct, and the instilling of scientific values in alignment with societal needs and labor market demands thereby enhancing the contributions of graduates to development across various sectors.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani said that the importance of building upon the indicators already achieved within the higher education and scientific research system.

His Excellency emphasized the need to consolidate efforts to implement approved programs and policies, and to develop the university work environment in a manner that ensures the quality of education and scientific research, while strengthening partnerships between universities, state institutions, and the private sector.

Directorate of Media & Government Communication

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 18, 2026