Since the establishment of the University of Baghdad and throughout its history, the University has been led by a distinguished group of prominent academic and scientific figures. Their diverse specializations, scholarly backgrounds, and administrative experience have converged in service of the University and in strengthening its standing as one of Iraq’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
During their respective terms of office, the University’s rectors contributed to consolidating its academic foundations, advancing its educational and research programs, developing its infrastructure and scientific facilities, and expanding its partnerships with universities and academic institutions in Iraq and abroad. Their efforts also played an important role in supporting faculty members, researchers, and students; enhancing the University’s presence in academic forums; and keeping pace with rapid developments in higher education and scientific research.
This page presents the former rectors of the University of Baghdad in recognition of their efforts and contributions, which have left a lasting imprint on the University’s development and helped build its scientific and institutional legacy across generations.
Dr. Matti Akrawi
Term of Office: October 1957 – August 1958
Academic Specialization: Philosophy, Education, and Comparative Education
Academic Qualification: PhD from Columbia University, New York, United States
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- The first Rector of the University of Baghdad following its formal establishment under the University Law of 1956.
- Served as an expert and Director of the Higher Education Division at UNESCO in Paris.
- Established the initial organizational and administrative foundations of the University’s constituent colleges and worked to unify their curricula.
Dr. Abdul Jabbar Abdullah
Term of Office: March 1959 – March 1963
Academic Specialization: Physics and Dynamic Meteorology
Academic Qualification: PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; studied under meteorologist Carl-Gustaf Rossby
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- An internationally renowned physicist whose pioneering research contributed to the study of cyclone dynamics and climate.
- Contributed to drafting the progressive University of Baghdad Law of 1958, establishing the University Council, and expanding student admissions.
- Established the Higher Institute for Research and Studies and promoted academic scholarships to Western universities.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Douri
Term of Office: March 1963 – November 1965 | September 1966 – August 1968
Academic Specialization: Islamic History and Economic History
Academic Qualification: PhD from the University of London, United Kingdom
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A leading Arab historian and a prominent scholar of the economic and social history of Islamic civilization.
- Served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences before holding the University presidency for two separate terms.
- Helped establish a modern scholarly methodology for historical studies and attracted distinguished Arab academics to teach at the University.
Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Khalaf
Term of Office: September 1968 – August 1970
Academic Specialization: Physical Geography and Climatology
Academic Qualification: PhD from Clark University, United States
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A pioneer of geography in Iraq and author of foundational references on the physical and regional geography of Iraq.
- Previously served as Minister of Education and contributed to the development of education and the expansion of campus infrastructure.
- Supported scholarly publishing and peer-reviewed academic journals within the University.
Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Badri
Term of Office: August 1970 – March 1971
Academic Specialization: Medicine and General Surgery
Academic Qualification: Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, United Kingdom
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A distinguished professor of surgery and a pioneer of medical education at the University of Baghdad’s College of Medicine.
- Served as Iraq’s Minister of Health and contributed to the advancement of medical education and healthcare.
- During his brief tenure, he focused on supporting the University’s medical colleges and teaching hospitals.
Dr. Saad Abdul Baqi Al-Rawi
Term of Office: June 1971 – January 1974
Academic Specialization: International Law and International Relations
Academic Qualification: PhD in Law from France
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A prominent professor of law and former Dean of the College of Law and Politics.
- His tenure witnessed the implementation of higher education restructuring and the expansion of postgraduate and master’s programs.
- Contributed to strengthening academic relations with Arab and international university associations and institutions.
Dr. Taha Ibrahim Al-Abdullah
Term of Office: March 1974 – October 1977
Academic Specialization: Islamic History and Civilization
Academic Qualification: PhD from the United Kingdom
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- His tenure marked the practical beginning of major construction expansion at the Al-Jadriya Campus, designed by Walter Gropius.
- Supported faculty stability and increased allocations for scientific research.
- Later served as Minister of Irrigation and Agricultural Irrigation.
Dr. Sultan Abdul Qadir Al-Shawi
Term of Office: October 1977 – March 1978
Academic Specialization: Criminal Law and Legislation
Academic Qualification: PhD in Law from Europe
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A well-known legal scholar and academic in the fields of legislation and legal sciences.
- Served as Rector of Al-Mustansiriyah University and the University of Baghdad and authored recognized legal publications.
- Focused on academic discipline and the development of legal and administrative curricula.
Dr. Taha Tayeh Dhiab Al-Nuaimi
Term of Office: December 1981 – June 1990
Academic Specialization: Electrical Engineering
Academic Qualification: PhD in Electrical Engineering from the United Kingdom
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Held the longest term as Rector of the University of Baghdad—approximately nine years—and led the University through the challenges of the 1980s.
- Oversaw the opening and relocation of most colleges and modern facilities to the engineering and scientific complex at the Al-Jadriya Campus.
- Later served as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and as President of the University of Technology.
Dr. Adel Shaker Al-Taie (Acting)
Term of Office: July 1990 – February 1991
Academic Specialization: Engineering Sciences
Academic Qualification: PhD in Engineering
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Managed the University during a critical and highly sensitive period marked by major political and regional developments after 1990.
- Worked to maintain academic operations and safeguard the University’s property and laboratories.
Dr. Khider Jassim Al-Douri (Acting)
Term of Office: March 1991 – October 1993
Academic Specialization: Islamic History and Civilization
Academic Qualification: PhD in History
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Led the University at the beginning of the economic sanctions period and oversaw the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure.
- Supported the development of local alternatives for laboratory supplies, publications, and academic papers.
Dr. Abdulelah Yousif Al-Khashab
Term of Office: November 1993 – June 1999
Academic Specialization: Civil and Consulting Engineering
Academic Qualification: PhD in Civil Engineering
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Oversaw major expansion in postgraduate programs—including higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctorates—to strengthen academic self-sufficiency.
- Established specialized research centers and utilized the University’s engineering expertise to provide consulting services.
- Later served as President of the University of Mosul.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Rawi
Term of Office: June 1999 – March 2003
Academic Specialization: Medicine, Urological Surgery, and Infertility
Academic Qualification: Fellowship of the Royal Medical Colleges
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A prominent surgeon who served for many years as President of the Iraqi Medical Association.
- Supported medical staff, hospitals, and specialized medical education within the University.
- Led the University until the events of 2003.
Dr. Sami Abdul Mahdi Al-Muzaffar
Term of Office: May 2003 – September 2003
Academic Specialization: Biochemistry
Academic Qualification: PhD in Biochemistry from the United States
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- A distinguished chemist who served as President of the University of Basrah and later led the University of Baghdad after the events of April 2003.
- Directed the reconstruction and rehabilitation of colleges and the resumption of examinations and academic activities.
- Later became the first Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the transitional government.
Dr. Musa Jawad Aziz Al-Musawi
Term of Office: September 2003 – November 2012
Academic Specialization: Dentistry, Dental Surgery, and Orthodontics
Academic Qualification: PhD and Higher Fellowship in Dentistry
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Led the University for more than nine years under extremely difficult security conditions while preserving its academic independence and standing.
- His tenure witnessed the introduction of quality assurance systems, academic accreditation, and electronic modernization.
- The University of Baghdad entered major international rankings and joined the International Association of Universities.
Dr. Alaa Abdul Hussein Al-Kashwan
Term of Office: November 2012 – May 2019
Academic Specialization: Industrial and Applied Chemistry
Academic Qualification: PhD in Chemistry from the United Kingdom
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- During his tenure, the University entered the Times Higher Education World University Rankings officially for the first time.
- Launched projects in e-governance and e-learning and supported the development of the University’s scientific journals toward Scopus indexing.
- Expanded the University’s international relations and signed memoranda of understanding with prestigious universities worldwide.
Dr. Qusay Abdul Wahab Al-Suhail
Term of Office: May 2019 – December 2019
Academic Specialization: Hydrology and Water Resources (Hydrogeology)
Academic Qualification: PhD in Water Resources Sciences from the University of Baghdad
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Assumed direct oversight of the University presidency while serving as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
- Focused on developing water and research policies and reviewing postgraduate curricula.
Dr. Emad Hussein Mirza
Term of Office: December 2019 – August 2020
Academic Specialization: Organic Chemistry
Academic Qualification: PhD in Chemical Sciences
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Led the University during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Successfully accelerated the transition to blended and distance-learning platforms to preserve the academic year.
Dr. Munir Hameed Al-Saadi
Term of Office: August 2020 – January 2024
Academic Specialization: Agricultural Sciences, Plant Protection, and Tissue Culture
Academic Qualification: PhD in Agricultural Sciences
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- His tenure witnessed a substantial increase in the number of research papers published in Scopus-indexed sources.
- Launched advanced automation projects and supported the development of the Al-Jadriya Campus, its infrastructure, and environmental rehabilitation.
- Strengthened the University’s autonomy and attracted international students through the Study in Iraq initiative.
Prof. Dr. Bahaa Ibraheem Ansaf
Term of Office: January 2024 – December 2025
Academic Specialization: Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Equipment
Academic Qualification: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Key Milestones and Achievements:
- Focused on comprehensive smart digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education.
- Implemented recommendations of the Council of Ministers and presidential directives concerning the documentation of the University’s architectural and academic heritage.
- Modernized specialized laboratories and promoted academic twinning with reputable universities worldwide.