Iraq's education minister says exam objections under review, student rights safeguarded

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Minister of Education Abdul Karim Abtan said on Thursday that all students' rights are safeguarded and that objections to exam results are being subjected to comprehensive review, according to a written statement from the ministry. Abtan chaired a wide-ranging meeting attended by the Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, the head of the Permanent Examination Committee and the Director General of the Examinations Department to assess the outcomes of the exam plan, the statement said. The minister noted that the nationwide examinations were completed without disruption despite difficulties, attributing the outcome to the prime minister's oversight and supervision. The minister praised the active role of the National Security Service and supporting ministries in securing the examination process, and said cheating attempts were prevented. He urged students not to heed rumors aimed at discrediting the exam process, adding that objection applications are being carefully examined by specialist committees. Abtan said the ministry is committed to awarding every student the full mark they are entitled to receive.