On Monday, December 28, 2025, Rizgar Salih, a third-stage student in the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by university students during a television program on Speda Satellite Channel.
The program, Amroy Speda, dedicated one of its segments to ‘The Use of Artificial Intelligence by University Students’. For this segment, the channel invited Rizgar Salih to share his insights. At the beginning of his talk, he stated: Artificial Intelligence is not entirely new, but it has now become widespread, especially among students, as it is a highly supportive tool that can provide significant benefits in education.
He added, Artificial Intelligence complements human work and advances society, but we must not forget that it cannot completely replace human jobs and professions.
Later, Rizgar Salih noted: University students should make the most of AI’s features, but they must not let it replace their own critical thinking. At university, we have various tasks and responsibilities; it is normal to use AI as an assistant to gather information or manage time. However, we must not rely entirely on it to complete all our tasks, as this could ultimately harm our academic and scientific development.
Regarding lecturers’ perspectives on students’ use of Artificial Intelligence he pointed out that many allow it, provided it is used correctly and within certain limits, so that students benefit rather than suffer harm. He also mentioned that many lecturers guide students on how to use AI effectively and responsibly.
In his concluding remarks, Rizgar emphasized that students must stay updated and aware of contemporary technological changes. Since the current era is known as the age of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that it is essential not to remain ignorant of these advancements.
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Media Department at Cihan University–Erbil launched an intensive two-day training workshop on the university campus for students from various academic levels. The sessions focused on helping students envision their professional future and discussing modern methods and mechanisms that enable them to enter the rapidly developing and highly competitive media job market with confidence and competence.
The Media Department also welcomed Mr. Manaf Mubarak, Director of Projects at the German DW Network, in an academic visit aimed at enhancing students’ professional capabilities and connecting theoretical knowledge with international field experience.
During the sessions, Mr. Mubarak devoted a substantial portion of the sessions to technical and practical training. He provided students with a detailed explanation of the DPA application, demonstrating how to use it effectively as a tool for journalistic work and news coverage. This reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its students with the latest digital tools used in major international media institutions, ensuring the development of a media generation that is both knowledgeable and technically proficient.
At the end of the sessions, the Media Department expressed its gratitude to Mr. Mubarak for his time and dedication to the students. The department remains committed to opening doors to international media centers and providing more opportunities for students to enrich their journalistic experience.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Head of the Department of Business Administration, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, in coordination with the Maple Tree Organization, organized a workshop in the VIP Hall at Cihan University–Erbil, with the participation of lecturers and students from the department. The workshop focused on environmental awareness and understanding the challenges and difficulties faced by environmental workers. Its main aim was to raise awareness among members of society about their responsibilities toward the environment.
Supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Hawkar, the workshop began with him highlighting the importance of the efforts made by environmental workers, emphasizing that every member of society should respect them and act responsibly when disposing of waste in order to protect the environment.
During the workshop, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hawkar placed special emphasis on proper waste disposal methods, particularly glass waste, as it can cause serious injuries to environmental workers. He explained that glass waste should be placed in cardboard before disposal to reduce the risk of harm.
As part of the workshop, Mr. Hakar Abdulatif, founder of the Maple Tree Organization, delivered a brief presentation on proper waste management. He explained that every household should have a waste bin, which not only helps protect the environment but also improves the appearance of the city. He also stressed the importance of placing waste in bags before disposal and separating liquid waste from solid waste, as mixing liquids with garbage increases the weight of waste bins and creates unpleasant odors.
During the workshop, a video was presented to the audience illustrating the work, efforts, and challenges faced by environmental workers. Through the video, the workers called on citizens to support them and treat them with respect.
At the end of the workshop, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hawkar, together with Mr. Hakar Abdulatif, announced a challenge in which a number of participants will work for one day in place of environmental workers. The initiative aims not only to support environmental workers but also to help participants better understand the responsibility and hard work involved in environmental protection.
,Within the framework of volunteer work for the Zakat Al-Ilm foundation at Cihan University Sulaimaniyah
n International Mother Language Day, the Law Department at Cihan University-Slemani discussed the legal and administrative dimensions of the Kurdish language within official institutions
Within the framework of ongoing scientific and academic activities, and to commemorate International Mother Language Day, the Department of Law at Cihan University-Sulaimaniya organized a specialized field workshop titled “The Kurdish Language as a Language of Administrative Writing.” The workshop was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the university’s seminar hall. The event was attended by the University President, Prof. Dr. Omed Rafiq Fatah, the Vice President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sadat Abdullah, along with a significant number of faculty members and students.
The panel discussion featured an in-depth analysis of the obstacles and challenges facing the use of the Kurdish language in official institutions generally, and within the Sulaymaniyah Governorate specifically. The topics were presented as follows:
First Topic: Mr. Shaho Osman Karim (Deputy Governor of Sulaymaniyah) presented a comprehensive field assessment regarding “The level of reliance on Kurdish as a language of administrative writing in the institutions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate,” highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of language usage in official correspondence.
Second Topic: Ms. Layla Omar Ali (Head of Sulaymaniyah Municipality) discussed the subject from the perspective of service institutions, focusing on “The role of the Municipality in promoting and developing the standard Kurdish language,” providing live examples from the field.
Third Topic: Dr. Aso Hamashin Abdulkarim (Head of the Law Department) focused on the legal and administrative aspects, elaborating on “The role of administrative authority in prioritizing the Kurdish language as both an official language and a mother tongue,” clarifying the legal responsibilities in this regard.
The panel was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ibad Ibrahim Ahmed (Faculty member in the Department of Law).
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session involving the attendees and the presentation of several recommendations aimed at improving the quality of written language in government departments.
Under the patronage of Assistant Professor Dr. Qusay H. Al-Salami, a group of fourth-year students from the Business Department at Cihan University-Erbil participated in the Al-Nasr Cultural Book Festival, held at Al-Nasr Secondary School for Girls on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The festival was organized under the slogan: “The Book is a Window to Knowledge, and Through Reading, We Rise and Advance.”
They were warmly received by the School Principal, Ms. Lina S. Lufta, along with the teaching staff, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening ties between educational institutions.
The festival was attended by several educational figures from the Nineveh Governorate Education Directorate, led by Mr. Shaban A. Al-Lahaibi, Director of Specialized Supervision, as well as representatives from Erbil, headed by Mr. Hadi A. Shibl, Director of the Erbil Department, in addition to the teaching staff of Al-Nasr Secondary School. The event featured various artistic and cultural activities highlighting the pivotal role of books in expanding intellectual horizons, along with a joint book exhibition organized by Al-Nasr Secondary School and Cihan University–Erbil. Publications by Cihan University-Erbil attracted significant attention, and attendees raised several inquiries regarding the official recognition of Cihan University and the employment opportunities available to its graduates within federal government institutions in Baghdad.
In his comprehensive response, Dr. Al-Salami clarified that Cihan University-Erbil is officially recognized at all levels and affirmed that its graduates enjoy equal opportunities in the job market, both locally and nationally.
Additionally, he presented several of Cihan University-Erbil’s publications as commemorative gifts to the attending academic figures, symbolizing the spirit of partnership. In turn, they expressed their gratitude to Cihan University-Erbil for its active participation in the event. A number of them were also honored with plaques recognizing Al-Nasr Secondary School’s appreciation for all participants, and Dr. Al-Salami received one of these plaques on behalf of Cihan University.
At the end of the festival, the school principal and teaching staff extended their sincere thanks to the delegation from Cihan University–Erbil for this commendable initiative, which helped clarify the University’s vision for the guests and opened new horizons for a promising academic and professional future.
On Monday, December 15, 2025, within the framework of social responsibility and in response to humanitarian appeals, a group of students from the Business Administration Department at Cihan University–Erbil actively participated in a comprehensive aid campaign aimed at supporting victims and affected individuals in the Chamchamal district.
The field visit was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Birdawd. During the activity, the students demonstrated a strong spirit of humanitarianism by providing essential food rations and seasonally appropriate clothing. In addition, the initiative placed special emphasis on health and educational needs through the distribution of necessary supplies to affected families. These efforts were designed to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens faced by the victims.
The Business Administration students reaffirmed that, as part of their ethical and national duty, they remain committed to leading volunteer and charitable initiatives. At the end of the activity, they emphasized their continued dedication to supporting and serving various segments of the community.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, students from the Business Administration Department at Cihan University–Erbil began a voluntary activity to beautify the walls of Zhyan Hawchark School in Erbil.
This initiative was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Birdwod, Head of the Business Administration Department. At the beginning of the activity, the students prepared painting materials such as brushes and rollers. Afterwards, they began painting and decorating the walls using various colors, and they also illustrated the Kurdistan flag on the walls. This step contributed to enhancing the school’s beauty and creating a pleasant atmosphere for Zhyan Hawchark’s students.
At the end of the activity, the school administration staff expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the students of the Business Administration Department. Additionally, the activity provided an important opportunity to foster creativity and volunteerism among the students, emphasizing the value of serving the community within the framework of social responsibility.
Under the slogan ‘From Assessment to Implementation,’ the Business Administration Department at Cihan University–Erbil conducted a follow-up visit to Erbil High School for Outstanding Students on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The visit aimed to monitor the progress of the maintenance and development plan prepared by the department following its previous assessment.
The visit involved a group of fourth-stage students led by Assistant Professor Dr. Qusay Hameed Al-Salamy. They were received by the school principal, Mrs. Ruqia Salahaddin Shaker, who expressed her deep appreciation for the immediate response and the commendable initiative of the university and the department.
During the inspection tour, the delegation observed the ongoing work, which has now moved into the implementation phase, including:
This visit represents the execution phase of the department’s voluntary initiative, which reinforces its strategic partnership with the local community. It focuses on improving the school environment and ensuring the provision of a safe and supportive space for learning and creativity.
The school principal commended the pioneering role of Cihan University–Erbil in the field of community service and the diligence demonstrated by the Business Administration Department, through its students and staff, in following up and implementing projects that have a direct and positive impact on the ground.
On Monday, October 27, 2025, second-year students from the English Language Department at Cihan University–Erbil conducted a scientific visit to Ban Private Secondary School. The activity, supervised by Assistant Lecturer Rozhin Hosseini, aimed to combine classroom learning with hands-on teaching experience through a seminar titled “Improving Pronunciation through Games.”
At the beginning of the visit, the group was warmly received by the school principal, Mr. Goran Radha Hussein, and Ms. Silwan Taha Mahmood, AQC of the school, who expressed their pleasure in hosting the seminar. During the session, the students presented a variety of interactive language games designed to help learners improve their pronunciation skills in an enjoyable and engaging manner. The activities focused on practicing English sounds, stress, and intonation while maintaining a playful atmosphere that encouraged participation and built confidence among the school students. The approach demonstrated how using games in the classroom can make pronunciation practice both effective and motivating.
The event concluded on a positive note, marked by active discussions and mutual appreciation between the two groups.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a group of third-stage students from the English Language Department at Cihan University–Erbil conducted an awareness activity titled “Digital Education and AI Literacy Awareness”under the supervision of Lecturer Pola Tahseen Mohammad.
The activity took place at Sultan Muzafar, where students distributed specially designed brochures introducing the concepts of digital education and artificial intelligence literacy. The materials provided essential insights on how digital tools and AI technologies can be effectively and responsibly integrated into everyday life and education.
During the activity, the students engaged the public in discussions about the growing role of AI in modern education and society. They stressed that AI literacy means understanding how artificial intelligence functions, recognizing its advantages and limitations, and using AI tools thoughtfully and ethically. Enhancing AI literacy helps individuals make informed choices, safeguard their privacy, and adapt to rapid technological advancements.
At the end the students encouraged the public to share this vision, emphasizing that AI is vital to the future of education, as it promotes creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning in the digital era.
