With PUK Support, Sulaymaniyah Leads in Higher Education

P.U.K 01:23 PM - 2025-10-18

University of Sulaimani & PUK logo.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as one of the main political forces in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, has played a pivotal role in advancing the education and higher education sectors. Through the dedication of teachers, staff, and students, and with the consistent support of the PUK, the University of Sulaimani [Sulaymaniyah] has been ranked first in Iraq, according to the latest evaluation by the Times Higher Education, one of the world’s most respected academic ranking organisations.

The university, originally founded and later reopened by President Mam Jalal [PUK Founder and Former Iraqi President also known as Jalal Talabani], continues to stand as a testament to his vision for education and knowledge as the foundation for national development.

Continuous Support for Education

Dr Hersh Rasul, candidate No. 5 on the PUK’s List 222 for the Sulaymaniyah constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “Since its establishment, the PUK has placed great emphasis on the higher education sector. The University of Sulaimani, reopened in 1992 through the efforts of President Mam Jalal, now ranks first in Iraq — clear evidence of the PUK’s enduring commitment to supporting education and academia.”

He added that under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the new PUK continues to prioritise education and higher education: “The PUK has always listened to the voices of students, renovated university departments, and provided necessary educational resources, proving in practice its commitment to improving these sectors.”

Sulaymaniyah: A Leading Centre of Knowledge

Dr Narmin Maruf, candidate No. 12 on List 222 for the Sulaymaniyah constituency, also spoke to PUKMEDIA, saying: “As Sulaymaniyah leads Iraq in many fields, it is only natural that it also leads in higher education. This success would not have been possible without the PUK’s support, especially at a time when the Kurdistan Region faces a challenging financial situation.”

He noted that the PUK’s support has extended beyond universities to the renovation and construction of schools across Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Erbil, and the independent administrations of Raparin and Garmian.

“Thanks to the PUK’s efforts,” Dr Maruf added, “many students have been sent abroad for study and training. Moreover, the recognition of Charmo and Raparin Universities by the Iraqi government marks another important step in strengthening higher education — a success made possible by the PUK’s persistence.”

The PUK’s Role in Developing Higher Education

The PUK’s contribution to the development of higher education and the University of Sulaimani can be summarised in several key areas:

1. Financial and infrastructural support – The PUK has directly and indirectly contributed to establishing and expanding university infrastructure across Sulaymaniyah province.

2. Encouraging academic diversification – The PUK has worked to expand scientific branches and open new colleges in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Raparin, and Garmian, particularly in the fields of natural science, engineering, medicine, and the human science.

3. Building international partnerships – The PUK has sought to strengthen academic relations between Kurdistan Region's universities and international institutions in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, facilitating knowledge exchange and research collaboration.

4. Supporting teachers and researchers – The PUK has helped improve academic standards by enabling lecturers to pursue higher education abroad, attend international conferences, and engage in research and professional development.

A Political, Practical, and Social Commitment

At the political level, the PUK has contributed to shaping education policy through its representatives in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), advocating for greater budget allocations to education and higher education.

At the implementation level, PUK members in administrative and educational roles have worked to enhance teaching quality and institutional management.

At the social level, the PUK has promoted awareness of the importance of education — particularly for girls and marginalised groups — reaffirming its belief that education is the cornerstone of a just and progressive society.

With its long-standing commitment to knowledge and progress, the PUK continues to champion education as a foundation for Kurdistan’s development — ensuring that the achievements of institutions like the University of Sulaimani remain a source of pride for all the people of Kurdistan.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with list number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with list number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



PUKMEDIA