Nadim’s Visit to Tehran: A Critical Opportunity to Revive Afghan Academia
DID Press: The visit of Neda Mohammad Nadim, Taliban Minister of Higher Education, to Iran is far more than a routine diplomatic trip. It comes at a time when the future of millions of Afghan youths in higher education is shrouded in uncertainty, restrictions, and instability. Therefore, this visit should go beyond ceremonial formalities and serve as a concrete opportunity to address the core demands of Afghanistan’s academic community.
The first expectation is the establishment of formal and transparent agreements between the two countries to provide practical support for Afghan students in Iran—agreements that ensure their legal, educational, and welfare status. Over the years, thousands of Afghan youths have sought refuge in Iran to continue their studies, making a clear and sustainable framework for their education an undeniable necessity.
Additionally, the issue of academic freedom in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s administration—and the widespread elimination of curricula—must be addressed seriously. The Ministry of Higher Education must explain the rationale behind the removal of programs, courses, and disciplines in Afghan universities and the replacement of these with limitations that leave universities’ future ambiguous, concerning, and in many cases ineffective.
Of paramount importance is the exclusion of Afghan women and girls from universities, higher education institutions, and government offices, which must be officially discussed during bilateral talks. Iran, as the host of the largest Afghan migrant population, can and should play a more effective role in this matter. Depriving women of education is not only a fundamental violation of human rights but also a key driver of increased family migration from Afghanistan to Iran—a phenomenon with broad social and economic consequences for both countries that must be managed rationally and in accordance with Islamic justice.
In terms of academic cooperation, dialogues between Iran and Afghanistan are expected to lead to real exchanges of professors and students, not symbolic agreements that remain on paper without tangible outcomes. Any scientific collaboration must therefore be practical, sustainable, and measurable.
A key requirement of this visit is the holding of a joint press conference with media and academics, which would enhance transparency and demonstrate that both sides value accountability to the public and mutual commitments. Afghanistan’s academic community has the right to know what decisions and commitments are made and what their implications are for the country’s educational future.
Furthermore, serious attention must be given to the challenges facing the Persian language within the Taliban’s educational system. The position of Persian in Afghanistan’s education is under pressure and restriction, and Iran can play a crucial role in supporting this shared cultural and linguistic heritage.
Iran possesses unparalleled academic capacities; its universities, research institutes, and specialists have trained thousands of Afghan elites over decades and can today play a central role in rebuilding Afghanistan’s academic landscape. Achieving this requires joint will, planning, and responsibility. Accordingly, the Taliban Minister of Higher Education should prioritize the agenda of this visit and leverage Iran’s extensive academic resources to foster the growth and development of Afghanistan’s scientific community.
Ultimately, this trip should yield tangible, field-level results for Afghanistan’s academic community—results that are measurable, actionable, and have a real impact on the lives of professors, students, and Afghan families. Otherwise, any agreements that fail to meet these criteria will merely add to a list of ceremonial visits with no practical benefit.
Neda Mohammad Nadim’s visit to Iran could mark the beginning of an academic leap for Afghanistan, but only if the core demands of the Afghan academic community are addressed transparently, seriously, and responsibly.
By Mohsen Mowahed / DID News Agency