Minister: American University of Afghanistan renamed as AIU

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) has been renamed as Afghan International University (AIU) which would only cater for postgraduate studies, Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadeem said on Saturday.

Nadeem, who visited northern Balkh province, held a meeting with students of the Balkh University in Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital.

The minister said the American University of Afghanistan’s name had been changed to Afghan International University and his ministry was trying to provide opportunities for Afghans to study at the doctorate level.

The private non-profit Western-style academic institution was established in 2006, where foreign and local teachers taught students in different departments. However, the university stopped its activities after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

Nadeem also said his ministry was trying to address problems students and teachers faced in addition to providing them scholarships.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Sattar Hanif, a student of Sharia Faculty at Balkh University, said that the government should encourage students to continue their education.

Calling joblessness in the country a big challenge for the youth, he urged the government to provide employment opportunities to students who had graduated from universities.

Balkh University Chancellor Dr. Khalilullah Kaliwal also said the government should not ignore the efforts of teachers and continue to support them.

Balkh Governor Maulvi Mohammad Daud Muzamil said serious efforts were being made to ensure the security of educational centers, students and teachers.

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