On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during a press conference, the President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation and the President of Koya University announced a significant project for students from universities in the Kurdistan Region. They emphasized that the project, conducted in coordination with the Southern Technical University in Basra, will create numerous job opportunities.
Based on a memorandum of understanding between the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, Koya University, and the Southern Technical University in Basra, a specialized training program was announced for students of Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The program focuses on oil and gas production, transportation, and processing, providing hands-on experience in local and international oil fields, companies, and related factories.
Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Sabir, President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, addressed journalists, stating: “This training program comes at a crucial time, as there is a pressing need to imrpove our students' skills in one of Iraq’s and the world’s most vital sectors—oil and gas. The program includes an intensive practical curriculum supervised by experts, along with field visits to southern oil fields. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world application, equipping young professionals with the skills needed to compete in local and international job markets.”
Dr. Muhammad Sabir further highlighted: “Our project presents an excellent opportunity for students to secure employment at the companies where the training will take place.”
On his part, Professor Dr. Muhammad Huseib, President of the University of Koya, stated:
"This training program, which involves 40 students over 15 days, is an extremely valuable opportunity for the participating students, especially given that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have been halted."
He emphasized that "students in this field cannot carry out their practical training within the Kurdistan Region."
During the training period, the students will visit several local and international companies, providing them with a valuable experience, particularly with companies not present in the Kurdistan Region, including South Gas Company and the Petrochemical Plant, in addition to visiting two major oil fields in Iraq.
"These students will conduct their training in the Rumaila and Zubair oil fields, as well as gain experience in oil and gas transportation via waterways through the ports in those areas."
The training and qualification program for students of the Oil and Gas Department is designated for 40 students, accompanied by 5 supervising professors, and will be held according to the following schedule: for 15 days, from July 20, 2025, until August 5, 2025.
Number of Students and Supervisors:
- 36 students from the Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering departments at the University of Koya,
- 2 students from the Petroleum and Energy Engineering department at the Sulaimani Polytechnic University
- 2 students from the Petroleum Engineering department at Komar University.
In addition to five supervisors from the specialized faculty of the Petroleum and Chemical Engineering departments at the University of Koya.
Locations to be visited during the practical training period:
1. Zubair Oilfield
2. ZPEC Chinese Co. - China
3. Schlumberger Co. - USA
4. Almajal Co. (Joint venture with various international companies)
5. Wood Group Co. - Scotland
6. Lukoil - Russia
7. Iron and Steel Factory - Turkey (Joint venture)
8. Petrochemical Industry - Iraq
9. North Rumaila Oilfields