The graduation ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year graduates of the fully state-funded dual degree program (BEU-INHA DDP) implemented between Baku Engineering University and Korea's INHA University has been held.

The event, attended by leadership from the Ministry of Science and Education, rectors of both universities, representatives from the Korean Embassy in Azerbaijan and KOICA staff, businesspeople, faculty members from both universities, as well as graduates, began with a minute of silence in memory of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs, followed by the national anthems of both countries.

In his opening remarks, BEU Rector Yagub Piriyev emphasized that this was the second graduation ceremony of the dual degree program implemented with INHA University. Drawing attention to the important role of the "State Program for Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023," approved by decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, in strengthening our country's human resources potential, the rector evaluated the implementation of one of six international dual degree programs with the world's leading universities by BEU as a significant event in the university's history. Presenting statistical figures related to the program, Yagub Piriyev expressed gratitude to the state leadership, the Ministry of Science and Education, and INHA University for their support in implementing the program, which makes a positive contribution to relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea, plays a positive role in improving the theoretical and practical knowledge of faculty members, and in training highly qualified personnel. Congratulating the parents of graduates, the rector noted that their support was invaluable in their children's success. Expressing confidence that graduates who worked hard to master their specialties over four years, learned Korean, and enhanced their knowledge and skills in that country would become good engineers for Azerbaijan, he wished the graduates success in their careers.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev, speaking at the ceremony, conveyed his sincere congratulations to the graduates, expressing confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired by young people who completed their education would provide great support in the next stage of their lives, and that with their acquired specialties, they would be able to build successful careers in fields demanded in both domestic and foreign labor markets. Emphasizing the measures taken at the state level for the development of education in our country based on modern requirements and the dual degree programs implemented with several foreign higher education institutions, the deputy minister stated that these aim to develop human capital, reveal the scientific potential of the young generation, ensure their formation as professional personnel through the adoption of international experience, and ultimately provide our country with worthy specialists. Touching on the strengthening international position of higher education institutions, Idris Isayev congratulated BEU on its place in the top thousand in the recently announced QS ranking, evaluating the achievements of our universities as a whole as the result of work done for the development of education in our country. At the end of his speech, the deputy minister once again expressed gratitude to the leadership of both universities, faculty members, and parents of graduates, noting that their work and support were significant..   

INHA University Rector Cho Myeong Woo then congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that this program yielded positive results thanks to their determination and efforts. The rector, stating that the dual degree program, which has become a beautiful symbol of educational cooperation between Korea and Azerbaijan, successfully serves international-level personnel training, expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained by graduates during their studies would help them step confidently on their career ladder.

Korean Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kymgu Kang described the dual degree program as an exemplary indicator of educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and Korea. The ambassador, noting that graduation is not an end but a new beginning, stated his belief that young people could overcome the difficulties of their career path filled with countless opportunities through the creative thinking and fighting spirit they possessed in university auditoriums.

Subsequently, Shahana Miraliyeva, a graduate of "Electrical Engineering" who distinguished herself through her activity in the program, and Amani Sultanov, a graduate of "Civil Engineering," made speeches. The speeches emphasized that the program created opportunities for them to learn the educational systems of two different countries and universities comparatively, and to develop as more flexible and globally-minded engineers by combining different engineering approaches, while expressing gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for the comprehensive development of young people.

Following a rich artistic program featuring Azerbaijani and Korean dances performed by students, as well as mugham pieces performed by People's Artist Elchin Hashimov and Honored Artist Elnur Ahmadov, specialty valedictorians and graduates who actively participated in social-public life were awarded. Diplomas were also presented to graduates.

The event concluded with graduates' "cap throwing."

Public Relations Department