For long days, the University of Mosul witnessed a momentous event that unveiled the essence of humanity and creativity embedded within its people. The visit of the Institutional Accreditation Committee was not merely a routine checkpoint but rather an epic of dedication and generosity. It was a masterpiece painted by the hands of devoted individuals, embodying the spirit of an ancient university that has risen from the ashes like a phoenix, proclaiming to the world that it is still alive in the hearts of its sons and daughters.

The scene was profoundly moving. Professors with esteemed academic titles humbled themselves, cleaning classrooms and laboratories with their own hands, without assigning the task to students or staff. They did so with great pride and joy, saying simply, “Do we not do this in our own homes? What matters is that our second home appears radiant, beautiful, and elegant.” These words were not mere statements but a sincere expression of deep love for the university and an unwavering sense of belonging.

The efforts were not limited to cleaning alone; they extended to long hours of meticulous work. Faculty members dedicated themselves to refining and perfecting their files, striving to present them in the best possible form. Some remained at the university until late at night, all for one noble goal: for the university to receive the institutional accreditation it rightfully deserves. Here, teamwork was not just a slogan but a tangible reality embodied by every individual in this esteemed institution.

This university, which was built over 57 years in a cumulative manner—where each year saw the construction of a laboratory or the purchase of new equipment—was expected to take another 57 years to be restored, given the previous funding levels, after being devastated by the terrorist group ISIS. However, the university’s faculty and staff were determined to prove that the Iraqi willpower can achieve the impossible. In just six years, they managed to rebuild the university’s infrastructure to a standard even better than before. And today, the university embarks on its journey toward obtaining institutional accreditation, reclaiming its academic standing.

These days have stood as a living testament that the University of Mosul, which suffered the horrors of war and destruction, has once again risen like a phoenix, announcing to the world that it still carries within it a spirit of pride and excellence. The Minaret of Hadba has returned to illuminate once more, and the call to prayer resounds in its halls, declaring “Allahu Akbar” as a symbol of the return of life and hope to this great academic institution.

Without exaggeration or bias, what we witnessed during this period was true creativity from every member of the university. Everyone proved that they are not merely employees, professors, or students, but rather one family, united by a shared vision and a single goal: to keep the University of Mosul a beacon of knowledge and learning, a symbol of dedication and excellence.

The University of Mosul has earned the highest honor and pride when the Institutional Accreditation Committee unanimously agreed that the most distinctive feature of the university is the unwavering loyalty of its faculty and staff to their institution.

No words of gratitude and appreciation can adequately express the depth of my pride in you, the dedicated members of our beloved university, and in all the tremendous efforts you have made.

In conclusion, we say with great pride: You have excelled, sons and daughters of the University of Mosul, presenting an exemplary model of teamwork and dedication.

You have proven that a university is not just buildings and lecture halls, but a spirit that runs through everyone who belongs to it. May this renaissance mark the beginning of a new era of excellence and achievement, and may the University of Mosul forever remain a symbol of knowledge and sophistication in Iraq and the world.

Professor Dr.
Waheed Mahmood Al-Ibrahimi
President of the University of Mosul
February 20, 2025