President of Tehran University: Hashd al-Shaabi Students Pay Higher Tuition

The President of Tehran University, Seyed Mohammad Moqimi, responded to criticisms regarding the education of Hashd al-Shaabi forces at the university, stating that it is financially beneficial for the institution as they pay ten times more than Iranian students. In justifying the presence of Hashd al-Shaabi members at Tehran University, Moqimi told ILNA news agency that if opportunities for education are not provided for Iraqi brothers and sisters, 'the enemies of both nations' will fill this gap and determine the future of relations between the two countries. According to Moqimi, another reason for this situation is the income generation, as their tuition fees each semester exceed ten times that of Iranian paying students. The President of Tehran University mentioned that one of the official and influential institutions in the future of Iraq is the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi). Moqimi claimed that the Iraqi government has allocated a suitable foreign budget for the continued education of Hashd al-Shaabi. He also asserted that 'Hashd al-Shaabi brothers and sisters prefer Tehran University for scientific and cultural reasons over prestigious universities in Turkey, the USA, and the UK.' He emphasized that members of Hashd al-Shaabi are 'pure individuals who are willing to sacrifice their lives for Islamic values.' Moqimi believes that those studying from this military group in Iranian universities will hold significant positions in Iraq in the future, which is beneficial for the relations between the two countries. On July 14, student activists at Tehran University issued a statement reacting to the 'acceptance of Hashd al-Shaabi forces as students' at the university, describing this action as a 'military incursion' into the university after 'monopolizing' the academic environment. On July 9, Tasnim news agency reported on a meeting between the 'Deputy of Education and Training of Hashd al-Shaabi' with the President, Vice President for International Affairs, and several Basij professors at Tehran University, where the President welcomed the request for continued education of 'Hashd al-Shaabi brothers' at the university, stating: 'We consider scientific interaction with Iraqi brothers, especially the fighters of Hashd al-Shaabi, as part of the interactive model of Martyrs Soleimani and al-Muhandis, and we welcome the request for continued education of Hashd al-Shaabi brothers at Tehran University.' Saeed Peyvandi expressed that the acceptance of Hashd al-Shaabi members at Tehran University is very concerning. The forces of 'Hashd al-Shaabi' from Iraq are accepted at Tehran University, expanding ideological education; an advisor to Khamenei stated that a course on 'Soleimani's School' will be taught in universities starting from October.