Introduction to Wardak University

The demand for establishing a university in Wardak Province has a long historical background. In this province, a university was a well-known aspiration, and almost every family had at least one representative (student) studying in higher education institutions. A large number of students from Wardak were enrolled in various universities across Afghanistan, which gave the province a strong academic reputation at the national level. The people of Wardak have always shown great interest and respect for higher education and consider it a matter of pride when their children pursue or graduate from university studies.

For this reason, the demand for establishing a university in the province had been repeatedly raised for many years. Although the request was not initially addressed, in 2013 (1392 H.S.), it was formally presented to the Ministry of Higher Education as a broad public demand. After continuous follow-up, the Ministry issued proposal No. (344) dated 05-08-1392, which was subsequently submitted to the Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It was approved through decree No. (6236) dated 04-10-1392, and the Ministry of Higher Education was instructed to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to determine an appropriate site for the university in the current location (Top Dasht area).

Following this decree, a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Independent Directorate of Land Administration signed a protocol, transferring 500 jeribs of land to Wardak University. The land was officially handed over under letter No. (719/29163) dated 03-08-1394.

Prior to the land transfer, in 2013, the Ministry of Higher Education approved a limited academic and administrative structure for the university, which included: the University chancellor, General management of Human Resources, management of Financial and Administrative Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture directorate, Academic Directorate of the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture with six academic staff positions. However, due to lack of infrastructure and operational challenges, the university could not begin activities in 2013, and the academic staff were temporarily assigned to other universities.

In 2014, the university officially began its activities despite severe shortages and challenges. However, due to a shortage of qualified staff in animal science, the university requested the replacement of the Department of Animal Husbandry with the Department of Agronomy. The Ministry of Higher Education approved this change through decree No. (515/512) dated 14-02-1394. As a result, in the 2014 national entrance examination, 150 students were admitted to the Faculty of Agriculture in the two departments of Agronomy and Horticulture.

At the beginning, Wardak University had no dedicated campus. Therefore, a building of Top Dasht High School was allocated for initial operations. The building consisted of seven rooms: two for administrative offices, three for student dormitory use, one as a classroom, and one for security staff. Despite extremely limited facilities, the university started functioning through strong public support and trust in God Almighty.

By the end of 2014, the National Examination Authority requested student admission quotas for 2015. Planning began for accommodating an additional 150 students alongside the existing 150 students. Although this was extremely challenging due to winter conditions and lack of infrastructure, the issue was discussed with local elders, scholars, university professors, and businessmen. Through collective effort, it was decided to construct a small building on the allocated land.

Construction began in December 2014, and remarkably, the building was completed within three winter months. In March 2015, students began their studies in the new building, while the dormitory remained in the former school building.