Iraq’s higher education embraces AI era: Promise and obstacles

Iraq’s higher education embraces AI era: Promise and obstacles
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Based on a report by Shafaq News, Iraq is making a significant move into the age of artificial intelligence with the establishment of new colleges and academic programs. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the creation of the College of Excellence and the College of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Baghdad, set to open in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The new institutions aim to align Iraqi academia with global technological trends and prepare students for a digital economy. Students are optimistic that this new focus on AI will lead to better job opportunities in an otherwise stagnant labor market. Other universities, including the University of Warith al-Anbiyaa and the American University of Baghdad, have also launched AI departments.

However, the country faces significant obstacles, including a lack of reliable electricity, poor internet stability, and a “brain drain” of qualified academics. Additionally, Iraq lacks a legal framework to govern AI. While these initial steps are modest compared to regional leaders like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, they are seen as a critical first step to prevent Iraq from being further marginalized in the global tech landscape.