Rojava University delegation discusses integration with Hasaka governor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A delegation from Rojava University held talks with the Hasaka governor on Wednesday, as Syrian interim authorities move forward with efforts to integrate Kurdish-run educational institutions into Syria’s official state system.

The meeting, held at Governor Nour al-Din Issa’s office, focused heavily on mechanisms for integrating the education sector under Syria’s formal institutions, according to a statement by Rojava University released late Wednesday. Discussions included aligning curricula, organizing and translating educational materials, and ensuring unified academic standards and quality across institutions.

Both sides also reviewed key structural challenges facing higher education in the province, particularly the shortage of specialized academic disciplines at Hasaka’s universities.

The Kurdish Governor Issa, who was recently appointed by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and approved by Damascus, said he was ready to remove obstacles and support a comprehensive roadmap for integrating the university in line with Syria’s legal and regulatory framework. He also praised academic staff for maintaining educational activities despite years of conflict and instability, according to the statement. 

The meeting comes as Damascus accelerates efforts to absorb Kurdish-run civil structures in northeast Syria (Rojava) following the January 29 comprehensive agreement with the SDF, which includes the recognition of certificates issued by Rojava’s educational institutions.

Earlier this week, Syria’s higher education ministry announced steps to merge Al-Sharq University, established by the Kurdish-led administration, into the state-run Al-Furat University system. Syrian officials said a ministerial committee had been formed to oversee administrative procedures while safeguarding students’ rights and accrediting certificates issued under the autonomous administration.

Damascus has framed the restoration of higher education institutions in the Jazira region — which includes Hasaka and parts of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor — as a national priority, signaling a shift toward centralization after years of parallel governance systems.

Since 2011, authorities in northeast Syria had implemented a separate educational curriculum that introduced Kurdish-language instruction and differed from the state syllabus. Recent agreements between Damascus and Kurdish authorities have opened the door for greater academic coordination, including allowing students to sit national exams and obtain government-recognized certificates.