News

25 Years of Excellence in Nursing Education and Service at Hawler Medical University

Erbil, Kurdistan Region — May 17, 2026

On May 17, 2026, the College of Nursing at Hawler Medical University (HMU) formally observed its 25th anniversary, coinciding with the global recognition of International Nurses and Midwives Day. The commemorative event, held under the distinguished theme, "From Birth to Lifelong Care: Nurses and Midwives Leading the Future of Health in Kurdistan," was attended by the esteemed Presidency of Hawler Medical University, faculty members, students, and a diverse assembly of prominent dignitaries.

The college premises were meticulously prepared for the occasion, adorned in the institutional colors of blue and grey. A central element of the ceremony was the illumination of a lamp, symbolizing Florence Nightingale's enduring legacy of humanitarianism and the guiding principles of the nursing profession.

Academic Festival and Innovation Showcase

In conjunction with this significant milestone, a comprehensive academic festival was organized. This festival served as a platform for the presentation of numerous contemporary scientific topics and the exhibition of substantive research projects undertaken by fourth-year students. These scholarly presentations, alongside a variety of other academic activities, unequivocally demonstrated the high standards of scientific inquiry and educational excellence maintained by the College of Nursing.

Recognition and Commendation for Contributions

The festival concluded with a series of recognition ceremonies, acknowledging significant contributions:

• Awards of Appreciation were conferred upon the founders of the College of Nursing, in recognition of their foundational and historical efforts.
• Awards of Recognition were presented to the heads of nursing departments in governmental hospitals, honoring their sustained commitment to public health service.
• Awards for Academic Achievement were bestowed upon the first and second-place winners of the chess tournament, encompassing both male and female student categories.

This distinguished festival, initially conceptualized and led by Professor Dr. Vian Afan Naqshbandi, Dean of the College of Nursing, was meticulously organized by the Deanship of the College of Nursing. The successful execution of the event was a result of the dedicated cooperation and coordinated efforts of the College of Nursing Student Committee staff, with Professor Dr. Izzaddin Kamal Mahmoud, Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing, providing direct leadership in collaboration with students and faculty.

Esteemed Guests and Participants

The event was honored by the presence of a distinguished assembly of academic and political leaders, including:

• Professor Dr. Ali Abdulrazzaq, President of Hawler Medical University.
• Professor Dr. Hawre Mustafa Bakr, Assistant President of Hawler Medical University.
• Professor Dr. Karwan Mohammed Amin, Assistant President of Hawler Medical University for Student Affairs.
• Professor Dr. Aza Bahadin, General Head of the University Research Center.
• Professor Dr. Dashty Abbas, Dean of the College of General Medicine.
• Professor Dr. Bassam Karim, Dean of the College of Dentistry.
• Professor Dr. Hamdiya Mirkhani, Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
• Dr. Zana Mala Khalid, Head of Branch Two of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
• Dr. Amanj Najmaddin Baradosti, Head of Aso-University Area.
• Professor. Dr. Nashwan Karkhi, Head of the Party Organization of Hawler Medical University.
• Representatives from the Kurdistan Health Workers Syndicate, Erbil Branch.
• Teacher Zahir, Head of Qalat Branch of the Kurdistan Students and Youth Union.
• Representatives from the University Area of Qalat Branch.
• Representatives from the Kurdistan Students and Youth Union Committee, College of Nursing.

It is with profound pride that the College of Nursing reflects upon its quarter-century legacy as a pivotal scientific institution, consistently contributing to the development of highly skilled professionals for the healthcare sector of the Kurdistan Region. We extend our sincere appreciation to all individuals and entities whose collaboration and participation ensured the success of this esteemed commemoration.