The College of Engineering / Al-Nahrain University held, on Tuesday 1/7/2025, a meeting of the Industrial Advisory Council for the academic year 2024–2025, chaired by the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Iyad Murad Takhakh, with the participation of a distinguished group of representatives from industrial sectors and various state institutions, in addition to representatives of the Iraqi Engineers Union, as well as a number of faculty members and heads of academic departments.

The meeting was held in Dijlah Hall within the College building, under the direct supervision of the College Deanship, and witnessed active attendance from academics and industrial experts. This reflects the College’s commitment to expanding its partnerships with engineering and industrial entities, in a manner that contributes to aligning engineering education outcomes with the realities and evolving requirements of the labor market.

The meeting commenced with a welcoming speech by the Dean, followed by a presentation highlighting the College’s key efforts in developing its academic programs. Foremost among these efforts was the establishment of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering and the Department of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) Engineering, alongside continuous updates to the other nine engineering departments, which represent fundamental pillars of the engineering education system at the University.

The discussion focused on strengthening integration between academic education and practical application, developing curricula in line with technological advancements, activating field training for students, and linking graduation projects to real industrial challenges.

During the discussions, participants from the industrial, professional, and academic sectors presented practical ideas and developmental proposals. These included supporting field training opportunities for students, emphasizing the importance of involving the industrial sector in shaping curriculum development plans, introducing modern applied courses such as smart systems and artificial intelligence in engineering design, and stressing the need to review learning outcomes and enhance graduates’ practical skills in accordance with labor market demands.

The meeting concluded with several key recommendations, including:

1. Strengthening partnerships with the industrial and professional sectors through signing memoranda of understanding and expanding practical training opportunities.

2. Involving industry experts in curriculum development and the evaluation of educational outcomes.

3. Adopting a mechanism for continuous assessment of graduates’ skills in cooperation with employers, and reviewing learning outcomes (LOs).

4. Holding an annual forum that brings together students and graduates with companies and supporting institutions to facilitate employment and transfer practical experience.

5. Establishing an electronic platform to facilitate coordination between the College and the industrial sector in the fields of training and projects.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Dean of the College affirmed the College’s commitment to translating the Council’s recommendations into effective practical steps.