About Baghlan University

Established by Sayed Mansoor Nadiri—re-established by Nafas Jahid

Baghlan University was established in 1993 in Polikhumri city of Baghlan Province. Continuous civil war in Afghanistan, particularly in the capital city caused that a large number of scholars and students move from the capital city to the provinces, particularly in north. Baghlan was among the many which attracted these scholars and students, mainly university faculty members from Kabul and other respected universities. Given the condition at that time, people requested the governor, Sayed Mansoor Nadiri to establish a higher education institution in the region. Since Sayed Mansoor Nadiri himself had an enthusiasm in improving education, he submitted a proposal to his highness General Abdul Rashid Dostom, the High ranking commander of the Northern zone in Afghanistan. Fortunately, the proposal was granted and Sayed Mansoor Nadiri and his son Sayed Jafar Nadiri (the governor of Baghlan) officially opened the university with the title, University of Hakim Nasir Khisraw Balkhy.

Primarily, the university provided services in two faculties, the faculty of literature and social studies and the faculty of science. There were around 200 students and 16 faculty members at the start. In 1996, the university was approved by the president of the country; however, given the unsteady nature of society and the politics, it remained un-registered at the Ministry of Higher Education. In addition to the pre service program, the university started a night shift program because of a huge demand of people. In 1998 the number of students increased to 500 both pre-service and in-service and the number of students increased to 36 faculty member. In addition, the university witnessed the first graduates 50 people in 1998.

The university had the largest library in the region, holding 6000 titles. Also, there was an equipped lab for the science departments. However, in late 1998, the university was forced to close as the Taliban stepped in the region. Taliban not only closed the university but they also burned the library and the labs and of course they established their own military base in the university area.

Major activities that occurred for improving the university are as follow:

  • Night shift programs were started for those who could not continue their education during the day shift.
  • In late 1996 the university was named as Hakim Nasir Khisraw Balkhy by the government of the time.
  • In early 1997 the number of students increased to 500 and faculty members to 36 full time faculty members.
  • In mid 1997 , the university witnessed first graduates of the university, 50 people
  • There were around 6000 title books and one equipped lab at the university.
  • Unfortunately in late 1997, the university was forced to close as the Taliban stepped into the region and they collapsed all properties of the university.

Re-opening of the University by Nafas Jahid

As soon as the Taliban collapsed, people along with the former faculty members and enrolled students of that time, considered opening the university again. Their effort paid off and the university re-opened in 2003. Before the re-establishment, activist and educators at Baghlan put their hands together to resume the university and consequently they succeeded to officially register in the structure of the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan. Two faculties including the faculty of education and faculty of agriculture were recommended by the board of trustees at the Ministry of Higher Education. Like the previous structure, Baghlan Higher Education Institution operated in two shifts, morning and evening.

In terms of number of faculty members and students, a total of 105 faculty members, 44 admin staff and around 2850 students constitute the users at Baghlan University. Among the students, 38 percent of them are female students, something very rare in the region except Kabul, Herat and Balkh in Afghanistan. However, only 12 percent of faculty members are female characters.

There are three main areas where the university operate, agriculture faculty building and research farm, education faculty and female dorm, and university complex constituting engineering and literature and humanities faculties. The university is equipped with modern labs, computers and internet facilities, a comparatively equipped library, play ground for sports and athletics/sports and green areas.

  • There are around 4000 title books at the university library in two areas Poze Ishan and 2nd district
  • Number of faculty members increased to 105 full time
  • Admin staff increased to 85 people
  • Number of students increased to above 2850 both male and female
  • In terms of infrastructure, there are three areas where the university operates: Poze Ishan, Zaman Khil (university complex), and 2nd district (ex textile club).
  • There are three large labs, two for agriculture faculty and one for education
  • There are several soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts

It worth mentioning that the university leadership, especially his highness Prof. Ziai, the chancellor has been putting more efforts gaining contributions to improve the university and will extend to the number of faculties, increase the number of faculty members, and improve the quality of education. The followings are departments and faculties in the structure of Baghlan University.