KRG Ministry of Higher Education, US Consulate General open high-tech IT labs in polytechnic universities
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Aram Mohammed Qadir, along with US Consul General in Erbil, Mark Stroh, launched the Information Technology Laboratories project for three polytechnic universities in the Kurdistan Region during a joint press conference.
Minister Aram Mohammed Qadir highlighted the importance of the project, noting that despite the financial crisis, the ninth cabinet has given significant attention to higher education. He stated, “Nine advanced laboratories in electronic networking, telecommunications, and cyber security will be established at Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok Polytechnic Universities. The $1.4 million project, funded by the US Government, aims to enhance the capacity of these universities.”
Emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project, Qadir remarked, “This joint initiative between the Ministry of Higher Education, the US Consulate General, and the polytechnic universities addresses current needs and will impact the labor market both domestically and internationally. The project aligns with our strategy to strengthen ties between academic centers and the labor market, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to fill market gaps.”
Qadir also expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Despite the financial crisis, our efforts have advanced the international dimension of Kurdistan’s universities. We maintain constant contact with global institutions and develop projects like this one. We hope the next cabinet will build on this progress and take further advanced steps.”
US Consul General Mark Stroh praised the partnership and the project's impact, saying, “These Cisco labs provide the next generation of Kurdish IT professionals with cutting-edge American technology, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.” He also emphasized the importance of teacher training to ensure effective use of the labs for market-relevant instruction.
Stroh underscored the strong partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, highlighting ongoing efforts to provide universities with resources, training, and connections with US institutions. “The US is committed to building a skilled workforce that will strengthen and diversify the Kurdish economy. We will continue to seek ways to deepen educational ties between our communities,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Stroh expressed excitement about visiting the labs and hearing from students about their plans to utilize the new equipment to enhance their studies.