Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research — Contact Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (GOV-ef9aa762)

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research Contact Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research Current Status of Ministry and the Institutions of Higher Education Key Facilities : The Ministry headquarters in Baghdad was burned and looted repeatedly. Its building is no longer structurally sound. We are currently exploring options for its future location. Between April and July, the Ministry has had temporary offices in the Main Library of the University of Baghdad. Since these offices have proven inadequate for the resumption of normal activities, we are currently moving to space in the Iraqi Commission of Informatics & Computers. We plan to complete the move to the Commission before the end of July, with essential office equipment and supplies provided by USAID. Most of the universities of Iraq suffered damage during and after the recent conflict. Damage covers the full spectrum, from minor looting and damage (i.e., broken windows) to the complete destruction of certain facilities. Equally important, the Iraqi higher education system has endured over a decade of neglect and isolation from the international academic community’s main developments – intellectual, administrative, and technological. Helping restore the material foundation for academic excellence is fundamental. This will involve not only basic reconstruction but also introducing new technologies and techniques. Information technology and the Internet are particular priorities. The CPA and local Coalition forces have already begun reconstruction efforts throughout the country. Examples of recent projects include: $275,000+ for reconstruction at the University of Technology $95,000+ for reconstruction at the University of Baghdad $160,000+ for reconstruction at the University of Al Anbar $90,000+ for emergency support for final examinations The introduction of satellite Internet access at the University of Mosul Key Functions: On May 17, undergraduate classes officially resumed where they had not already done so. All the universities in Iraq are functioning. The universities in the northern region have already completed their examinations and are holding graduation ceremonies (July 12, 18, and 24). The remaining universities, colleges, and institutes in Iraq began final examinations on or before July 12. Working closely with UNESCO, the CPA provided essential assistance to higher educational institutions throughout Iraq to ensure that essential examination needs were met. All institutions reported at least 85% of the undergraduates returned to their studies and are completing this academic year. Essential administrative and financial activities have been restored throughout the higher educational system. Salaries have resumed for higher education faculty and staff. In June 2003, MHESR received an initial operating budget for June 2003. During the same month, the CPA MHESR team coordinated the July-December 2003 emergency budget of the Ministry. In early July, Ambassador Bremer approved the budget, granting the Ministry $32.8 million for operating expenses – a significant increase over the previous year’s spending. Another $4 million was committed for capital expenditures. The preparation of the 2004 budget has begun and will be completed this fall. Working with the leadership of higher educational institutions throughout the entire country, the CPA MHESR team has been developing basic needs assessments ranging from assistance to conducting final examinations to basic physical reconstruction. The CPA has also conducted initial assessments to support initiatives such as the introduction of satellite Internet access on select campuses. The CPA is working with UNESCO to select a team representing all Iraqi public institutions of higher education to assist in more systematic and comprehensive needs assessment to be completed by August 31, 2003. Together, these needs assessments will play a critical role in preparing for the October 2003 UN Donors Conference. Security: Campus security is a prime concern. Coalition commanders have been working to coordinate security with local higher education officials. Universities have been encouraged to expand their own campus security forces since April 2003. An important step in the process of moving toward greater Iraqi responsibility for campus security is the establishment of the national Facilities Protection Service (FPS). Under the FPS program, local coalition forces help train and equip Iraqi security personnel for campuses and other key facilities. The first cadre of this new campus security completed its training in early July. Office: CPA Compound, Room 220S Phone/Fax: 781-280-6315 Email Us Tuesday, 22-Jul-03 19:31:48 Return to Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research