In order to found the D-8 University in Iran with a view to increasing economic and scientific cooperation among the D-8 Member States, Islamic Azad University and the D-8 have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on 28 January 2015 on the occasion of the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Industry.

Establishment of the D-8 University will be a significant forward step in the development of human resources within the D-8 Member States and Islamic Azad University, with its exceptional standard of education, has a lot to offer. The D-8 Secretary-General, Dr. Seyed AliMohammad Mousavi explained the purpose of this initiative to improve scientific, research and technology cooperation among the D-8 countries. He emphasized that higher education institutions play a pivotal role in imparting education and bringing about economic and social changes in any society. Dr. Mousavi underlined that D-8 Member States need to improve educational standards and overcome challenges in higher education, science, technology, research and innovation.

“D-8 aims at making economic development in the Member States. Universities being the centres of excellence will create grounds to promote economy. With the initiative of the Islamic Azad University, D-8 University will be established in Iran”, Dr. Mousavi added. 

Mr. Seyed Javad Angaji, Director-General of the Islamic Azad University said that establishing a university had been Iran’s commitment since the last five years; “One billion population and large young proportion in the D-8 countries can provide excellent ground and opportunity to improve scientific and educational cooperation among the Member States,” he added.

“Islamic Azad University has 1.7 million students nationwide, who attend courses in 420 branches of the University across the country. This provides for the opportunity for the Islamic Azad University to sign the LoI and be part of large-scale cooperation”, Mr Angaji emphasized.