In alignment with the Ministry of Higher Education's strategic plans to enhance international accreditation and collaboration within Kurdistan's universities, the University of Raparin (UoR) and Kent State University have entered into a partnership to implement a substantial project. This initiative is under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the Supervising and Quality Assurance Agency.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the presence of Dr. Muhammed Hussein, Chairman of the Supervising and Quality Assurance Agency, key points discussed during the meeting were shared with the media. Dr. Zhala Saeed, the General Director of the Research and Development Office, expressed, 'The collaboration between Raparin University and Kent State University represents a significant milestone for higher education.'

She elaborated, 'As part of this initiative, both universities have agreed to offer a range of Ph.D. courses in English language and literature to applicants in higher education at UoR as part of a pilot program.' She also noted, 'After evaluating the process, we plan to expand the project to other universities and additional academic fields.'

In another segment of the press conference, Asst. Prof. Dr. Paiman R. Ahmed, President of the University of Raparin, stated, 'Internationalizing our university has been a top priority, and the fruition of this project follows nearly a year of dedicated effort and discussions. Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Aram M. Qadir, Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the dedicated staff of both the Ministry and the University of Raparin, who successfully aligned the project with the applicable guidelines and laws of the Kurdistan Region.' She also disclosed that they have plans for two other important projects in the future.

Concluding the press conference, Dr. Jamal A. Omer, the General Director of UoR's Research Center, provided comprehensive insights into the project and stated, 'In its initial phase, the project exclusively focuses on the field of English language and literature, specifically for the University of Raparin. In the upcoming days, a high-level committee will be established to select candidates based on the terms and guidelines of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan Region, in accordance with Kent State University's requirements in the United States. The program is exclusively designed for Ph.D. studies, with a duration of three to four years. Candidates will initiate coursework at both the University of Raparin and Kent State University in the United States.