📋 About the Department
The Petroleum Refining Technologies Department was established in July 2024 as an engineering department within the Technical Institute of Najaf. Launched at the start of the 2024–2025 academic year—pursuant to Ministerial Order No. MT/6911 (dated July 25, 2024) issued by the Department of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up—it stands as a rare academic department in the Middle Euphrates region. Its mission is to graduate mid-level technical personnel holding a technical diploma in Petroleum refining, thereby supporting Iraq’s Petroleum and gas sector. In August 2026, the department was re-designated as the Petroleum and Gas Refining Technologies Engineering Department—part of the Najaf Polytechnic College (Engineering Specialties)—effective from the 2026–2027 academic year. This change was made in accordance with Ministerial Order No. 1506/86005 (dated August 5, 2026) issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Department of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up / Studies and Planning Division). This shift comes in response to labor market demands and rapid developments within the Petroleum and gas industries of the energy sector. It will effectively contribute to enhancing the quality and output of Petroleum and petrochemical industries across both public and private sectors by transforming crude Petroleum and natural gas from raw materials into usable finished products—such as gasoline, kerosene, heating Petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), asphalt, lubricants, and petrochemicals.
🎯 Vision, Message, Objectives, and Graduate Job Description
The Petroleum and Gas Refining Engineering Department aspires to be a cornerstone of technical education and practical training by preparing specialized technical personnel capable of advancing the Petroleum and energy sector within local and regional communities.
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• Preparing highly qualified engineers To prepare engineering personnel equipped with advanced knowledge and applied skills in Petroleum refining, gas processing, and petrochemical industries—aligned with global quality standards—while embedding concepts of occupational health and safety.
• Enhancing technical skills To develop students’ capabilities through practical training and the use of modern laboratories, as well as engineering design and simulation software, to keep pace with industrial advancements.
• Supporting Applied Scientific Research and Innovation Equipping students with modern engineering software for simulating industrial units to analyze refining and processing challenges, advance the Petroleum and energy sector, and foster creative thinking skills.
• Building Effective Partnerships and Achieving Sustainability Strengthening scientific collaboration between the Petroleum and energy sector and research institutions, and integrating sustainability concepts and modern technologies into the Petroleum and gas industry.
1-Preparing Specialized Technical Personnel: Graduating qualified technical engineering professionals capable of working in the Petroleum , gas technology, and petrochemical industries, and meeting the needs of the local labor market.
2- Operating Industrial Units: Supervising the operation and control of machinery and equipment in various chemical and Petroleum industrial units to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
3- Maintenance Operations: Carrying out periodic and preventive maintenance for chemical and Petroleum industrial units to ensure continuous, efficient, and safe operation.
4- Conducting Technical Tests: Performing chemical and physical laboratory tests on raw materials and finished petroleum products in accordance with global API standards, and participating in production improvement and development within industrial units.
5- Quality Assurance and Control: Applying quality and occupational safety standards at all stages of work, while possessing the ability to interpret industrial maps and schematics necessary for the precise execution of tasks in the Petroleum and gas industry
📷 Photo Gallery
Dr. Salah Mahdi Saleh
Head of Department
oil-refining-dep@atu.edu.iq 📨
