Historic Partnership Achievement

The Departments of Accounting, Banking and Finance at Tishk International University have achieved a historic milestone by officially joining the SAP University Alliance, becoming the first and only university in Iraq to secure this prestigious partnership. The official signing ceremony took place on October 20, 2025, at TIU’s campus, marking a transformative moment for business and technology education in the country.

Distinguished Ceremony Participants

The event gathered prominent representatives from both institutions:

SAP Representation:

  • Mr. Salah AlShaikhhussain, Director of Energy and Natural Resources from Saudi Arabia, representing SAP University Alliances

TIU Leadership:

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi Saleh, Head of the Board of Trustees

  • Prof. Dr. Sultan T. Abu-Orabi, University President

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozdemir, Academic Vice President

  • Dr. Fatih Cura, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs

  • Asst. Prof. Mr. Karwan H. Saeed, Vice Dean of Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics

  • Dr. Jaafer Hussein, Director of International Relations Office

  • Dr. Abubakar Karaye, Head of Accounting, Banking and Finance Departments (Event Moderator)

  • Mr. Abdullah Bilgin, Chief Information Officer and SAP Representative

Transformative Educational Benefits

This partnership provides TIU students and faculty with unprecedented access to:

Advanced Learning Resources:

  • World-class SAP ERP software for practical learning

  • Comprehensive training programs with industry standards

  • Globally recognized certification opportunities

  • Cutting-edge technology integration into curriculum

Student-Centered Advantages

Students in Accounting, Banking and Finance programs will benefit from:

Career-Enhancing Opportunities:

  • Free access to SAP software and digital learning resources

  • Hands-on training with industry-standard ERP systems

  • Complimentary SAP certification (replacing $1,500+ costs)

  • Global networking through SAP’s worldwide alliance community

  • Enhanced employability with industry-relevant skills

Institutional Leadership and Impact

This pioneering partnership reinforces TIU’s position as a leader in innovative, industry-aligned education. As part of a global program with over 2,000 member institutions worldwide, this alliance bridges the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates possess practical skills that meet employer demands.

The event concluded with a commemorative group photo, celebrating this significant academic milestone that strengthens TIU’s commitment to internationalization and digital transformation through SAP’s global expertise and educational platforms.

Keywords: SAP University Alliance, Accounting Education, Digital Transformation, Industry Partnership, ERP Training, Student Certification, TIU Achievement, Business Education