The first graduation ceremony of the dual-degree master's program in "Renewable Energy," implemented jointly by Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) and the University of Warwick, took place at ASOIU.
According to Renewables citing ASOIU, the event was attended by university leadership, representatives of state bodies, international partners, industry representatives, faculty members, graduates, and parents.
Before the ceremony, the participants visited the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers.
The official part of the event began with the graduates entering the stage. A presentation and a summary video reflecting the program's first year of activity were then shown.
ASOIU's Rector, Associate Professor Rufat Azizov, noted in his speech that dual-degree programs hold an important place in the university's internationalization strategy. Such initiatives enable students to receive a world-class education and enhance their competitiveness in the global labor market. The Rector particularly emphasized the significance of the program being state-funded, viewing it as another manifestation of President Ilham Aliyev's attention to ensuring high-quality education for young people. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Science and Education and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick for their support in the successful implementation of the program.
Professor Robin Clark, Deputy Dean for International Relations at WMG, University of Warwick, expressed satisfaction with the program's successful execution and noted the future development prospects of the partnership.
Nicat Mammadli, Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, and Dr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, OBE, BP's Vice President for the Caspian region, spoke about the program's importance, congratulated the graduates, and stated that they would play a significant role in the development of the country's energy sector.
It was noted that this program, carried out between ASOIU and the University of Warwick, is aimed at training highly qualified specialists in the field of renewable energy. Within the program, students have gained both international-level academic knowledge and real industry experience. The curriculum consists of modules provided by WMG, academic courses from ASOIU, and a dissertation phase. A total of 27 graduates successfully completed their studies in the program's first cohort.
One of the program's key components was the students' participation in a summer school organized in the UK. During this time, they visited renewable energy facilities, met with industry representatives, and became closely acquainted with the international academic environment.
As part of the event, speeches by graduates were heard, followed by a diploma presentation ceremony. The graduates received dual master's diplomas from both ASOIU and the University of Warwick.
The ceremony traditionally continued with the tossing of mortarboards in the air and concluded with a commemorative photo.
It should be noted that the program is fully financed by ASOIU, providing students with the opportunity to receive an international-level education free of charge. This initiative makes a significant contribution to the development of human capital in the field of renewable energy in the country.
https://renewables.az/en/news/asoiu-university-of-warwick-hold-first-renewable-energy-master-s-graduation