Kirkuk University Students Permitted to Answer Exams in Kurdish Following High-Level Talks

Kirkuk Governor's media

Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha and Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naeem

Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha has announced that students at Kirkuk University will now be allowed to answer exam questions in Kurdish, highlighting that the development follows his recent meeting with Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naeem al-Aboudi.

In a statement posted to his official Facebook account, monitored by PUKMEDIA, Governor Taha said: “I was pleased to meet with the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naeem al-Aboudi. During our discussion, we addressed the issue of translating examination questions and enabling students at Kirkuk University to respond in the Kurdish language.”

The governor noted that the meeting focused on the unique educational and cultural context of Kirkuk Governorate. He expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his understanding and responsiveness to the educational needs of the province.

Governor Taha confirmed that Minister Aboudi reaffirmed the right of Kurdish students in Kirkuk to answer exam questions in Kurdish, highlighting the importance of respecting the linguistic and cultural diversity that defines the governorate.

This position comes in response to Decision No. 6496, issued by the Federal Ministry of Higher Education on 16 July 2025, which prohibited the use of Kurdish in academic institutions outside the administration of the Kurdistan Region. The decision provoked widespread criticism, particularly from Kurdish communities and political representatives.

It is worth noting that a similar directive issued by the Ministry last year was subsequently revoked following sustained advocacy by Kurdish members of the Iraqi Parliament.



PUKMEDIA