Minister of higher education and scientific research, Dr. Hussain Al-Shahristani, in a speech during his visit to the university of Baghdad, congratulated the college students and professors on the start of the new academic year (2014-2015), wishing that this year would be eventful and diligent to help in building Iraq and achieving renaissance in all fields. His excellency, the minister noted that the sector of higher education and scientific research in general and university education in particular, is the leading of the process of the comprehensive and the sustainable social and economic development, stressing that all countries that are looking to promote their political, economic, social, cultural and technological fields must give priority to their educational institutions for preparation of academic qualifications in this area. Dr. Hussain Al-Shahristani said that the world today is witnessing a scientific rapid progress in various aspects of life via the explosion of knowledge and information revolution of the third millennium, so this great human accomplishment requires to adapt knowledge and face the growing challenges through the development of information technology and the digital economy in all the educational institutions.

  Al-Shahristani revealed that the ministry of higher education and scientific research is seeking to implement a strategic plan through creating a learned man provided with knowledge, skills and competences to be a good citizen who contribute in the development of university curricula with a focus on cognitive and educational values according to the the needs of the labour market. He also hinted to how to improve the university environment and providing educational supplies such as laboratories, libraries and teaching hospitals. The minister of higher education and scientific research stated that the ministry seeks to set standards for quality assurance and accreditation in higher education in Iraq and increasing the level of coordination and cooperation with the ministry of education to activate its role in solving the problems facing the Iraqi society in coordination with the ministries of oil, environment, industry, agriculture, transport, health, communications, science and technology, defense and Interior by providing consultancy and researches in an attempt towards optimal investment in the human mind. Scholarships were also dealt with, especially the scientific specializations and the standards upon which private universities are established, their scientific sobriety and making sure that the graduates of those universities are equipped with all the required knowledge to get a university certificate. At the conclusion of his visit, minister of higher education and scientific research, Dr. Hussain Al-Shahristani praised the march of science and knowledge in beloved Iraq, wishing the family good fortune and success to students and faculty, wishing peace and security for our country and the Iraqi people.