Iraq has successfully completed the construction of 500 new schools nationwide, with another 500 set for completion by the end of the year, as part of an extensive initiative to upgrade the country’s educational infrastructure. This multi-phase project is being carried out under the Iraqi-Chinese “oil for infrastructure” agreement, the Education Ministry’s Project No. 1, and various provincial development programs, according to Ministry spokesperson Kareem Al-Sayed, speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Upon completion of these 1,000 schools, the estimated number of additional school buildings needed will drop to 7,000. Earlier this year, Iraq reported a significant shortage of schools, with a need for around 8,000 new buildings to accommodate growing student numbers.
In addition to new constructions, 2,000 existing schools are currently being renovated, a project spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Office, focusing on essential facility upgrades such as desks and blackboards. Al-Sayed noted that these projects aim to address the severe gap between school supply and demand, exacerbated by the lack of new schools built from 2011 to 2023 despite an ongoing rise in the number of students.
