Koya University Remembers President Mam Jalal’s Pivotal Role in Its Founding

Kurdistan 04:33 PM - 2025-10-11

Late President Mam Jalal when he received his honourary doctorare.

On the anniversary of Koya University’s establishment, university officials reflected on the institution’s opening and development, paying tribute to President Mam Jalal’s decisive role in making the university a reality. President Mam Jalal personally laid the foundation stone for Koya University, a step that marked the beginning of a major educational achievement for the region. His vision and commitment were instrumental in both the founding and continued advancement of the university.

In recognition of his historic contribution, Koya University proudly awarded President Mam Jalal an honorary doctorate, acknowledging him as the driving force behind its establishment and growth. University officials recalled that President Mam Jalal was deeply concerned with creating a university in the city of the renowned Kurdish poet Haji Qadiri Koyi, and he worked tirelessly to remove every obstacle standing in the way of its foundation. His determination ensured that the project was successfully completed and that Koya University became a lasting symbol of progress and learning.

 

Koya University Marks Foundation Day in Honour of President Mam Jalal

Dr Wali Mahmoud, former President of Koya University, in a statement to PUKMEDIA, highlighted the significance of the university’s establishment and its founding day.

“Universities around the world celebrate their founding day as an important occasion,” he said. “It is a time to remember and honour those who have contributed to their development and success.”

He added that, in recognition of those who played a key role in Koya University’s progress, the day when President Mam Jalal laid the foundation stone has been designated as the university’s official founding day.

“Because he was instrumental in the success and advancement of the university, we decided to mark 11 October 2003, the day when President Mam Jalal laid the foundation stone, as the official date of the university’s establishment,” Dr Mahmoud explained.

President Mam Jalal Donated His House to Koya University

Speaking about the decision to award an honorary doctorate to President Mam Jalal Talabani, Dr Mahmoud explained to PUKMEDIA: “The University Council decided to propose awarding an honourary doctorate to President Mam Jalal, as he was the founder of the university and had generously donated his house in Koya to the institution.” 

Dr Mahmoud added that, beyond his foundational role, President Mam Jalal was also recognised for his lifelong commitment to law, justice, and human rights. “We received the family’s approval for this honour through Mrs Hiro Ibrahim Ahmed,” he noted.

A Historic Day: President Mam Jalal Receives His Honorary Doctorate

Dr Mahmoud recalled the memorable day when President Mam Jalal Talabani was awarded an honourary doctorate from Koya University.

“On 8 October 2015, we visited his home in Dabashan to present the certificate, as he was unable to attend the university due to his health condition,” Dr Mahmoud told PUKMEDIA. “Although he could not speak, there was visible joy on his face.”

He continued: “President Mam Jalal helped us as we dressed him in the academic robe. I then read out the text of the diploma, and we presented it to him in a small but meaningful ceremony.”

Dr Mahmoud described it as a historic day for Koya University, noting that the following day, the graduation ceremony was held, during which the moment was displayed on a large screen for all to witness and celebrate.

President Mam Jalal Approved All the University’s Requests

Dr Nabaz Majid spoke to PUKMEDIA about President Mam Jalal’s pivotal role in establishing Koya University and overcoming the challenges that accompanied its founding.

“To open the university, President Mam Jalal asked us to establish Koya University together in the city of Haji Qadiri Koyi,” Dr Majid said.

He added: “When we received Mam Jalal’s guidance and support, we made determined efforts, and with his backing, the university was established in a short period of time.”

Dr Majid emphasised that President Mam Jalal’s unwavering commitment was crucial to their success. “He would personally approve every request we made,” he said, “which made it possible to overcome obstacles and realise the dream of founding Koya University.”

Two Key Plans Implemented to Establish Koya University

Regarding the planning and preparation behind the opening of Koya University, Dr Majid explained that two main strategies were developed to ensure the university’s successful establishment.

“We had two principal plans,” he said. “The first was to attract qualified and experienced lecturers, and the second was to build the necessary infrastructure for the university.”

Dr Majid noted that, from the outset, the team followed President Mam Jalal’s guidance closely and overcame numerous challenges with his support.

“In line with President Mam Jalal’s recommendations, we were able to overcome obstacles and make rapid progress,” he continued. “We successfully recruited a number of lecturers from universities in the Netherlands, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, and Mosul.”

Dr Majid further highlighted the remarkable growth of Koya University, noting that in a short period, 11 colleges comprising 28 scientific departments were successfully established.

Koya University has witnessed remarkable progress and has now become a major centre of science and research. Each year, thousands of students graduate from its various departments. The university also continues to expand its postgraduate programmes, welcoming candidates for higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctorates, and granting advanced qualifications across a wide range of disciplines in the sciences, linguistics, and humanities.

PUKMEDIA