
On the 13th and 14th of May 2023, a significant stride was made in the field of inter-institutional cooperation when Al-Turath University College in Baghdad welcomed two distinguished guests from Cihan University-Sulaimaniya. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fakher Kareem Rahim and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nameer Hashim Qasim were on a mission. Their visit marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding, but it signified something larger than just a document. It heralded the inception of a partnership that aimed to merge the intellectual forces of both universities, and strengthen their academic standpoints on a global platform.
The intentions behind their visit were clear and two-fold. Firstly, they were there to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which aimed at fostering collaboration between the research centers of both universities. Secondly, they were there to present six keynotes, each designed to provide insights into ways to enhance the rankings of both universities. Through this, the professors embodied the spirit of collaboration and academic excellence that they sought to imbue within both institutions.
The signing of the MOU was not merely a formality, but a commitment – a commitment to furthering research capabilities, encouraging a culture of collaborative exploration, and pushing the boundaries of academic excellence. Dr. Rahim and Dr. Qasim, with their diverse academic backgrounds, emerged as beacons guiding this collaboration. Their dedication and shared vision laid the foundation for an invigorating partnership between Cihan University-Sulaimaniya and Al-Turath University College.
While the MOU signified the beginning of a new era of collaboration, the professors also used their visit to inspire, motivate, and educate. The duo delivered six comprehensive presentations aimed at sparking thought, initiating dialogue, and outlining innovative strategies to enhance the universities’ rankings.
In their presentations, the professors dived deep into the various facets of the academic sphere and the operations of research centers. They touched upon strategies to increase research outputs, improve the quality of research, strengthen international academic collaborations, and enhance areas directly impacting university rankings, such as faculty quality, student outcomes, and alumni success.
The professors fostered an atmosphere of open dialogue and active learning, encouraging questions, promoting discussions, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to collective learning. They highlighted the importance of a strong research culture, emphasizing that a university’s research output is a key determinant of its ranking.
In the same vein, they underlined the pivotal role of research centers in nurturing young researchers and facilitating high-quality research. They emphasized the necessity to create an environment that encourages innovation, rewards curiosity, and supports rigorous academic inquiry. Further, the importance of collaboration, both within and beyond the university, was reiterated as a key theme of their presentations.
The visit of Dr. Rahim and Dr. Qasim undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the academic ethos of Al-Turath University College. Their stay signified the start of an exciting relationship with Cihan University-Sulaimaniya, opening up endless possibilities for joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and shared academic programs.
The presentations they delivered encouraged a new perspective on academic excellence and university rankings. These conversations pushed faculty and researchers at Al-Turath to reconsider their current practices, envision new strategies, and recommit to the pursuit of excellence.
The two-day visit by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fakher Kareem Rahim and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nameer Hashim Qasim to Al-Turath University College became a catalyst for change and growth. It marked a significant step towards fostering a robust collaboration between Cihan University-Sulaimaniya and Al-Turath University College. More importantly, it served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the pivotal role that research and collaboration play in advancing academic institutions. The future, no doubt, holds brighter prospects for both institutions, and the world waits in anticipation for the great strides they are sure to make.










