12th February 2026
CLICKS, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq, has successfully delivered a five-day national workshop focused on strengthening quality assurance systems and advancing Bologna Process alignment across Iraqi higher education institutions.
The program brought together nearly 120 participants representing 28 public universities across Iraq, alongside ministry representatives and senior academic leaders. The initiative supports the Ministry’s Higher Education National Strategy 2022–2031, particularly its priorities related to quality, accreditation, system modernization, and improved external efficiency across the sector.
Structured as a practical and implementation-focused program, the workshop emphasized applied institutional tools and operational frameworks rather than theoretical models. Across five intensive days, participants worked through quality assurance frameworks, Bologna action lines and tools, program life-cycle quality management, accreditation readiness approaches, outcome-based education, and qualifications and recognition mechanisms. The program culminated in institutional roadmap exercises designed to help universities translate learning into realistic next- step actions aligned with national reform directions.
The workshop was delivered by Dr Narimane Hadj-Hamou, CEO of CLICKS, together with Dr Robert Khachatryan and Eltjo Bazen, combining international expertise in quality assurance and higher education reform with contextualized application to the Iraqi higher education environment. The delivery approach placed strong emphasis on leadership stewardship, quality culture, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-informed decision-making.
The workshop was formally addressed by senior national dignitaries who joined the program and shared with participants about the strategic importance of quality reform in Iraqi higher education. On the first day, HE Prof. Dr. Hamed Khalaf Al-Moosawi, Executive Director of the Supreme Committee for Education Development at the Prime Minister’s Office; Asst. Prof. Dr. Hazim Abdul Razzaq Abdul Amir, Director General of the Studies, Planning, and Follow-up Directorate, and Dr. Salah Al-Shujairi, Director of the Development and Human Development Department, addressed participants and emphasized the national priority of strengthening institutional quality, governance capacity, and development outcomes across the higher education system. On the second day, HE Prof. Dr. Haider Abed Dhahad, Deputy Minister of Higher Education for Scientific Research Affairs, shared with participants the Ministry’s forward strategy and vision for Iraqi higher education, including Bologna Process alignment, enhancement of university competitiveness and quality, and the importance of implementing the new national qualifications framework as a cornerstone of system reform.
Commenting on the program, Dr Narimane Hadj-Hamou, CEO of CLICKS, said: “This program was designed to be practical, contextual, and action-driven. Quality assurance and Bologna alignment only make a real difference when institutions can translate them into everyday academic and governance practice. It was a real pleasure to work with the World Bank on this important project and to collaborate closely with the Ministry and Iraqi universities. We are honored to support Iraqi higher education at this important stage of national reform. This engagement also marks an important entry point for CLICKS into Iraq, and we look forward to sustained collaboration with national partners and universities to strengthen quality, accreditation readiness, and institutional capability across the sector.”
Commenting on the program, Ghada Hameed, Senior Education Specialist, World Bank, said: “Iraq is at a pivotal moment in strengthening the quality and global relevance of its higher-education system. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the World Bank is supporting reforms that align Iraqi universities with international standards, strengthen quality assurance, and better connect graduates to labor-market opportunities. Investments in higher education today are investments in Iraq’s future productivity, innovation, and youth potential.”
The workshop reflects a shared commitment among national and international partners to build sustainable quality culture and institutional capacity across Iraqi universities, supporting long-term credibility, graduate outcomes, and international alignment.
