On Monday, May 5, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute hosted an international workshop on medicinal plants, in the presence of Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, Dean of the Institute, and Asst.Prof. Dr Najib Toma Bato, Director of Quality Assurance at Erbil Polytechnic University.
The workshop opened with a welcoming speech delivered in English by Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar. In his address, he emphasized that the event was not only an opportunity to bring together experts and researchers but also a platform for learning, collaboration, idea exchange, and innovation in the field of medicinal plants.
The workshop featured presentations by Professor Dr. Sami Pedawar, an expert in Plant Protection and Life Sciences and a lecturer at the University of Beirut, Lebanon, and Mr. Mark Vansteenkiste, a senior expert in TVET training.
This event is part of the ongoing activities of the “Azdhark” project, which focuses on the development of the agricultural sector and medicinal plants across Iraq. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the organization Cowater.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Department of Medicinal Plants at Mergasor Technical Institute organized a scientific field trip for its students.
The trip was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Ali Hussein Mir, Head of the Department, and Mr. Shaban Kasul Abbas, the subject lecturer. During the trip, students learned about the significance and medicinal value of various regional plants. They were introduced to the characteristics of local flora and their practical applications. The instructor also demonstrated methods for collecting, classifying, and preparing plant specimens for study in the botanical laboratory.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute, in collaboration with World Innovation Week and the Career Development Center of Erbil Polytechnic University, hosted an international workshop titled “Innovation in Strengthening Students’ Skills for the Labor Market.”
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute; Halgurd Sheikh Najib, Supervisor of the Soran Independent Administration; Dr. Botan Majid Asngar, Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education; Nazakat Salih, Representative of the Office of the Prime Minister; as well as Members of Parliament and various government officials.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif emphasized the importance of empowering students to create their own opportunities in today’s dynamic job market. This was followed by speeches from Mr. Halgurd Sheikh Najib and Dr. Botan Majid Asngar, who also led a seminar focused on higher education’s role in fostering innovation.
A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Nihad Yasin, featured insights from Prof. Mahmoud Bashkali of Akre University of Applied Sciences, who discussed the evolving labor market and the influence of artificial intelligence on future careers. Mr. Zanyar Jabbar, Iraq’s Ambassador of Innovation, also shared his perspective on transforming ideas into sustainable, human-centered innovations.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to panelists and moderators by the Dean and Vice Rector in recognition of their contributions.
The workshop also featured a craft exhibition and food festival, organized as a hands-on marketing project by students from the Department of Business Administration. Attendees enjoyed student-prepared foods and handmade products, with proceeds supporting student initiatives and showcasing local youth talent.
Adding to the celebration of student achievement, second-year students from the Nursing and Labor Administration departments were recognized for securing second place globally in a 9-week IREX course—an impressive milestone for the Institute.
Mergasor Technical Institute continues to lead in combining education with practical experience, ensuring its students are well-equipped for the future of work.
Erbil participated in the Congress of the Association of Arab Universities, which took place on 23–24 April 2025 at Kuwait International University in Kuwait.The Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University, with a number of Rectors from Kurdistan Region universities, joined the opening activities of the 57th General Session of the Arab Universities Association at Kuwait International University.During the Congress, where many ministers and Rectors from member universities attended, the Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University and other Rectors from Kurdistan Region, representing the Kurdistan Region, held a series of meetings with participants of the Congress.In these meetings, the Kurdistan delegation discussed developing relations and coordination between the universities and exchanged ideas.In another meeting, Prof.Dr. Idris Mohammed Tahir Herki, the Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University, met with Dr. Barakat Awaz Al-Hadhiban, the Head of the Board of Trustees at Kuwait International University. They talked about strengthening the relationship between the two universities in the fields of science and work. They also discussed creating opportunities for student training between the two universities. They decided that this year, a number of students from Kuwait International University would visit Erbil Polytechnic University for summer training.During the conference activities, several topics related to university education were discussed in different panels. Some of the topics were: university ranking and classification, coordination between the Arab Universities Union and the AACSB accreditation, digital learning, and other topics related to undergraduate and postgraduate education.
It is important to mention that Erbil Polytechnic University, as a member of the Arab Universities Union, was officially invited every year to the Union Congress. Each time, a member university from a different country hosted the event.
