Third Graduation Ceremony of BEU-INHA DDP Held

A solemn graduation ceremony was held for the graduates of the dual degree program (BEU-INHA DDP) implemented between Baku Engineering University and INHA University of the Republic of Korea for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The event was attended by BEU leadership; Idris Isayev, Deputy Minister of Science and Education; Yongrak Sung, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of INHA University; Cho Myeong Woo, Rector of INHA University; Ramin Hasanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Korea; Kimgu Kang, Ambassador of Korea to Azerbaijan; senior officials of KOICA and KOTRA; Qadir Khalilov, Head of the State Program Management Group; Members of Parliament Vugar Rahimzade and Aydin Huseynov; academic staff of both universities; graduates; their parents; and other guests.

The ceremony began with a tribute to the cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs, followed by the performance of the national anthems of both countries. A video dedicated to the activities of the BEU-INHA DDP was then screened.

Delivering the opening address, BEU Rector Yagub Piriyev described Graduation Day not only as the fruit of the young people's hard work and dedication, but also as the next significant achievement of the successfully developing strategic cooperation in education between Azerbaijan and Korea, and of a shared forward-looking vision. The Rector emphasized that the "State Program for Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019–2023," approved by Presidential Order, is of major strategic importance in terms of improving the quality of higher education in the country, expanding international cooperation, and developing highly qualified human capital. He noted that one of the five international dual degree programs being implemented jointly with leading universities worldwide under the State Program is carried out by BEU. Yagub Piriyev stated that the implementation period of the BEU-INHA DDP, which has been in operation since 2020, has been extended until 2030 by a Presidential Order signed last year. Highlighting that the new phase of the JDP is training specialists in fields of high promise that meet the modern demands of the labor market and global development trends, the Rector expressed his deep gratitude to the country's leadership for the program's continuation.

The Rector noted that 330 students are currently enrolled in the program, which operates on a 3+1 model. This year, 113 of those students are graduating and receiving bachelor's diplomas from both universities, bringing the total number of program graduates to 256. Yagub Piriyev added that a new cooperation document was signed in 2024 to further expand cooperation between BEU and INHA. Under that document, the top 10 percent of program graduates by academic performance are eligible to pursue master's programs at INHA University with a full scholarship. More than 10 program graduates have already taken advantage of this opportunity and are continuing their studies at the master's level at INHA University.

Addressing the graduates, the Rector emphasized that the knowledge, skills, and international experience they have gained in a diverse academic environment will make a significant contribution to the country's scientific, technological, economic, and social development. He expressed his confidence that, as highly qualified young engineers, they will actively participate in the reconstruction and development work underway in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, in the implementation of modern infrastructure projects, and in the processes of digital transformation and innovative development. The Rector concluded his address by congratulating the graduates and wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Congratulating the graduates, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev stated that the knowledge and skills acquired by young people who have successfully completed the international dual degree program will play a significant role in their future professional activities. He emphasized that the special attention and care shown by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva toward ensuring young people receive a quality education and broadening international educational opportunities has resulted in the creation of wide-ranging conditions for training competitive specialists in the country today. The Deputy Minister noted that state programs for higher education abroad at all levels make a significant contribution to the professional development of young people, and stated that, in accordance with a relevant Presidential Order, the number of dual degree programs will be increased to eight. Idris Isayev also advised young people, in light of the challenges of the era of artificial intelligence, to continuously work on themselves and to consistently improve their knowledge and competencies. The Deputy Minister specifically acknowledged the dedication of the academic staff and the support of parents in the graduates' success, expressing his gratitude to them.

Yongrak Sung, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of INHA University, and Rector Cho Myeong Woo assessed the BEU-INHA DDP as a model of successful cooperation in education between Azerbaijan and Korea. They emphasized that the program makes a significant contribution to shaping students as internationally competitive engineers and IT specialists, and expressed their confidence that inter-university cooperation will be further expanded. They stated their pride in every graduate who has successfully completed the program by adapting to a different cultural environment and passing through academic challenges. They noted that, as specialists who have assimilated the educational experience of two countries and undergone training in line with international standards, the graduates hold significant advantages in the global labor market. Encouraging the young people to continuously learn and develop their knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing modern world, the speakers noted that new opportunities and successes await them.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Korea, Ramin Hasanov, who spoke next, stated that relations between the two countries have been developing successfully in all areas in recent years, particularly in education, science, and innovation. He noted that Korea is a reliable partner for Azerbaijan in the development of human capital, and that joint projects being implemented serve to further strengthen cooperation. The Ambassador noted that the dual degree program contributes not only to the training of highly qualified personnel, but also to the strengthening of cultural dialogue between the two countries. Ramin Hasanov stated that the graduates of the dual degree program will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development and strengthening of the innovative potential of our country.

Korea's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Kimgu Kang, also congratulated the graduates, describing their graduation at a historic time when Azerbaijan's strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, its growing significance as one of the key logistics hubs of the Middle Corridor, and its rising international standing represent a great opportunity and fortune. The Ambassador assessed the BEU-INHA DDP as a successful model of international educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and Korea, emphasizing that the program makes a significant contribution to the training of highly qualified personnel and the strengthening of ties between the two countries.

At the event, Amin Islamov, a graduate in Electrical Engineering, and Zoyarida Rahimova, a graduate in Information Technology, delivered speeches. They stated that the program provided them with wide-ranging opportunities not only to receive an internationally recognized education, but also to develop in a diverse academic and cultural environment, acquire new knowledge and skills, and cultivate a global worldview. The graduates expressed their gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan and to all those whose efforts contributed to the implementation of the program.

Following the speeches, top-ranked graduates in their respective specialties and graduates who had actively participated in the university's public life were awarded prizes, and diplomas were presented to all graduates.

The artistic segment of the ceremony featured performances of Azerbaijani and Korean national dances by students, along with a concert program comprising various musical compositions.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap-tossing celebration.