Sami Abdul Mahdi Al-Mudhafar Minister of Education Dr. Sami Al-Mudhaffar was appointed Minister of Education of Iraq in June 2004, having previously served as Deputy in this Ministry. He is also presently the Chairman of the Iraqi National Commission to UNESCO. One of the pioneers in Biochemistry in his country, Dr. Al-Mudhaffar is a distinguished member of many academic and scientific societies, including the Iraqi Cancer Society, the Islamic Academy of Science, and the Society of the Arab League of Clinical Chemistry. Born in 1940, Minister Al-Mudhaffar earned his doctoral degree from Virginia University in 1967 and was the Chancellor of Baghdad University in 2003. He is the published author of numerous scientific papers and textbooks.

Towards Sound Iraqi Educational System

Educationalists perceive and agree upon the grave challenges that the Educational Sector in Iraq is currently facing due to the policy adopted by the previous regime. A policy that has hindered the spirit of initiative and creativity and instilled the spirit of a fear and inhibition instead.

The consequences of such a strict policy had a negative impact on the Educational Sector to whom the initial constructive step in the forming of societies is allotted to the shaping of the human mind.

Although, the whirlwind of events that Iraq is currently witnessing has widened the scope of challenges, yet it has left the door open for change and better prospects retrieve the Educational System from the state of loss in which it seems to have fallen.

Iraq bears the essence of history and the glory of civilization. Thus it does not seem benefiting for the nation that has once nursed the cradle of human civilizations to progress to a state of backwardness.

From such a stance and for the welfare and future of the Educational Sector in Iraq, we have put forth certain essentials that worth considering and deserving all forms of supports, whether financial or social.

The up most aim is to achieve the state of social inclusion and quality of education. To achieve the proper standard of the Iraqi Educational System and in conformity with the needs of the age we live in, we suggest the following:

• Increasing the financing for the Educational Sector from the advanced countries to achieve the required results. For the current expenditure rate for each student is 120 USD, compared to more than 3000 USD in advanced countries.
• Raising the standard of Education and enhancing the methods of teaching and adopting quality standard procedures.
• Raising the standard of Educational institutions to be more efficient, in complying with the various needs of the various educational activities.
• · Reconstructing the infrastructure of the Educational System, especially school buildings. There are 11939 buildings out of 14924 that need to be rehabilitated.
• Redirecting the teaching staff also implementing a comprehensive programme for teacher training while focusing on learning methods.
• Serious efforts should be given to girls education in all stages, the percentage of which is less than that of boys, especially in secondary schools. In 2003 the records were 40.28% comprised of girls while 59.72% of boys.
• More regional and international interaction to get benefit the experiences and developments in the field of curricula and their basic requirements.