The examination committee at the University of Basra awards a master’s degree with distinction to the late Raghad Saadoun, who died in the Kut hypermarket fire on the evening of July 16, 2025, along with four members of her family.
University of Basra
Raghad Saadoun Wadi, victim of Kut fire, posthumously awarded master’s degree
BASRA — The University of Basra’s College of Arts on Thursday posthumously awarded a master’s degree with distinction to student Raghad Saadoun Wadi, who died in the recent hypermarket fire in Kut.
The session, held on the college’s main stage, combined academic discussion with remembrance, as attendees reflected on Wadi’s scholarly dedication and personal qualities.
Dr. Fida Al-Mulla, head of the examination committee, told 964media, “The session was held in the presence of committee members, the deans of the Colleges of Arts at the Universities of Basra and Wasit, the family of the late student, and several of her colleagues and faculty members.”
The fire at a shopping center in Kut killed 61 people and triggered public outrage and protests that culminated in Wasit Governor Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahy resigning.
Wadi had nearly completed her thesis, titled “Evaluating Translator Introductions from English to Arabic,” when she died in the July 16 fire alongside four members of her family.
The committee awarded her the degree after presenting academic remarks supporting the thesis, recognizing her scientific, moral, and humanitarian contributions.
Her uncle, Alwan Wadi, wrote on his Facebook account, “Today, the master’s thesis of my niece, the martyr Raghad Saadoun Wadi Al-Gharbawi, was discussed. She is a martyr of corruption, a martyr of the Kut fire. Thank you to the University of Basra and Dr. Fida Al-Mulla.”