The University of Human Development (UHD) hosted a glamorous celebration for its Class of 2026 on 1 October 2026. The event took place on the university campus, featuring a specially constructed stage and a venue organised for both graduates and their families. Around 270 students were eligible to graduate.

Students, who were guided to their respective places, first walked to their allocated seats, followed by the academic staff from the various colleges and departments. The university’s administrative staff then took to the stage. The ceremony opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the university and national anthems.

The UHD President, Professor Dr Mariwan Ahmed Rasheed, was then invited to deliver his speech. Speaking from the podium, the President began by congratulating the graduates, stating that they had reached a historic milestone in their lives and achieved what they had worked tirelessly for over the past four or five years. He highlighted that UHD consistently ensures its lecturers possess vast experience and expertise in their fields, and that top-tier learning facilities remain accessible to all students. Dr Rasheed also referred to several of the university's academic achievements, including its two reputable scientific journals, the staff's participation in national and international academic activities, and the students' involvement in local and international competitions, as well as athletic events.

Another aspect of his speech focused on the employability of UHD graduates, a matter he emphasised that the university takes very seriously. UHD runs entrepreneurship courses for students to enhance their employability skills, and regularly engages in discussions and signs agreements with companies and investors to secure job opportunities for its graduates. He noted that employed UHD graduates are the pride of their families and the country, performing exceptionally well in both the public and private sectors wherever they are appointed.

Finally, Dr Rasheed thanked the founder and head of the UHD Board of Trustees, Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi, for his continuous support and care for the university, and prayed that God would bestow blessings and success upon the graduates in their future endeavours.

Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi contributed to the ceremony by sending a speech, which was read aloud by Assistant Professor Kardo Karim Rasheed. Professor Dr Qaradaghi congratulated the 15th batch of graduates and thanked the administrative and teaching staff for their hard work and commitment to their academic disciplines, as well as to developing students’ skills and capabilities. He mentioned that UHD was established to advance Kurdish society through science and technology, allowing the country to flourish and prosper in the manner of advanced nations. UHD will always stand by this commitment.

Next came the graduation oath, which was taken collectively by the students under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr Hiwa Abubakir Ali, the Vice-President for Financial Affairs. The students stood to repeat the oath: I will uphold professional ethics in my future career and serve my country and people.

The awarding of certificates was the final stage of the ceremony. Professor Dr Anwar Muhammed Faraj, the Vice-President for Scientific Affairs, requested the University President to grant bachelor's degrees to the students who had successfully completed all academic requirements across the following departments: Law, Diplomacy and Public Relations, English Language, Information Technology, Computer Science, Accounting, Business Management, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Nursing. The President formally granted the request and awarded the degrees.

Lastly, the graduates walked onto the stage one by one to stand alongside the President, receive a scroll symbolising their certificates, and take a commemorative photograph. The 2026 ceremony concluded with the students shifting the tassels on their caps from right to left, turning on their mobile phone torches, and watching a fireworks display. Set against a cool evening and a beautiful atmosphere, families and friends took the opportunity to capture memorable photos with their loved ones.