About the Center

The Computer Center at the University of Mosul

The establishment of a dedicated center for computing and internet services at the University of Mosul emerged as a pressing necessity, coinciding with the global surge in computing technologies and their increasing integration into education, science, and knowledge dissemination. Consequently, the center was founded in 1972 under the name Computer and Internet Center. At the time, it marked a pioneering initiative in northern Iraq. Despite limited resources, the center quickly rose to prominence and earned a distinguished reputation nationwide for its efforts to disseminate foundational concepts in computing within both the university and the broader community.

The center supported numerous master’s and doctoral research projects, facilitated by its central IBM 1130 computer system. In 1978, it expanded its capabilities with the installation of a large Honeywell computer, further strengthening its technical infrastructure.

Over time, the center evolved to include specialized departments and a computer network with advanced capabilities. It soon became a trusted advisory hub for both the university and the local community, thanks to its highly skilled and professional staff. By the end of 1989, the center had transitioned fully to personal computers and local area networks.

Staffed with experts in computer science, software engineering, and related technical disciplines, the center continually worked toward its mission of advancing institutional goals. However, it has faced significant challenges, including two episodes of total destruction. The first occurred on April 11, 2003, when the center was looted and then set on fire. It was later rebuilt and upgraded with the support of the university. The second instance of destruction happened in 2015, during the military conflict that affected the city of Mosul.

Today, the center stands as the official entity responsible for the planning, supervision, design, and implementation of technological, information, and communication projects within the university and the broader city of Mosul. Its staff has committed to devising strategic plans and overcoming challenges facing the educational process by developing innovative, high-impact institutional IT solutions for both the public and private sectors. The center also plays an active role in building bridges with global software development companies, cybersecurity providers, and academic institutions, reinforcing the university’s international partnerships and outreach.

Core Functions of the Center

  • Software Development: Creating customized software applications that align with the university’s needs and support the advancement of knowledge, as well as promoting quality education across all disciplines—both general and specialized.

  • ICT Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining the communications network infrastructure, managing data collection, storage, analysis, cybersecurity, and improving key digital services such as internet access, email systems, the university website, and more.

  • Academic Incubation: Providing a scientific and technological environment to support undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research projects, especially those involving open-source software solutions, with the goal of refining and delivering these solutions to relevant stakeholders.

  • Strategic Planning and Digital Solutions: Actively contributing to the development of institutional strategies, designing and implementing electronic solutions inside and outside the university, addressing real-life needs in Iraq, and promoting the localization of ICT practices in collaboration with global entities.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing: Participating in the design and supervision of advanced digital solutions based on AI and cognitive computing models to modernize institutional operations.

  • Professional Training: Delivering internationally recognized training programs in enterprise digital solutions, led by experienced professionals with global expertise.

  • Infrastructure Maintenance: Overseeing the maintenance of the university’s IT infrastructure, including computer systems, hardware devices, peripheral equipment, and network infrastructure. This includes managing sub-networks and providing technical services across colleges and administrative units.

  • Digital Awareness and Outreach: Promoting awareness of IT across various academic disciplines, highlighting the value of digital transformation projects within the university, and providing extensive educational computing services and IT training programs for students and academic staff alike.

General Responsibilities of the Center

  • Developing strategic plans for advancing the university’s technological infrastructure

  • Monitoring emerging technologies and assessing their applicability

  • Coordinating across departments to ensure workflow integration

  • Preparing periodic performance reports for internal and external review

  • Establishing and enforcing policies and procedures for information security