- Safa Najib Türkoğlu graduated top of the program, while her twin sister Merve Najib Türkoğlu ranked second in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering program at Istanbul Aydın University

- The twin sisters, who are preparing to pursue graduate studies, recommend Türkiye as a destination for international students

- A total of 28 Yemeni students graduating from universities in Türkiye in the 2025-2026 academic year ranked among the top graduates, with nine graduating top of their faculties

CoHE President Özvar: “Yemeni youth have important responsibilities to shoulder”

August 12, 2026

Twin sisters Safa Najib Türkoğlu and Merve Najib Türkoğlu, who came to Türkiye from Yemen to pursue higher education, shared the graduation podium at the end of their university journey. The sisters graduated from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering program at Istanbul Aydın University, with Safa ranking first in the department and Merve ranking second.

The achievement of the twin sisters, who plan to pursue graduate studies and build careers in engineering, was one example of the notable academic performance of Yemeni international students studying in Türkiye during the 2025-2026 academic year. During the same period, 28 Yemeni students graduating from Turkish universities ranked among the top graduates, with nine completing their faculties as valedictorians.

Safa Najib Türkoğlu, who graduated top of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering program at Istanbul Aydın University, said she had set herself the goal of graduating top of the program from her very first day at university.

Noting that her family’s support, alongside her disciplined approach to studying, played an important role in her success, Safa said, “I am very happy and proud to have achieved my goal. My family has always been there for me and supported me. They played a major role in this achievement.”

Safa said she planned to pursue a master’s degree after completing her undergraduate studies, adding that she aimed to continue her academic work while also gaining professional experience in engineering.

“We Achieved This Success Together”

Describing studying at the same university and in the same program as her twin sister as an important source of motivation, Safa said they had supported each other throughout their university years.

Safa said they had gone through many stages of their education together, from classes and projects to exam periods and career planning. “We constantly supported each other. We studied together for classes, projects and exams. I believe we achieved this success together,” she said.

“I Would Recommend Studying in Türkiye Without Hesitation”

Merve Najib Türkoğlu, who graduated second in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering program, said the achievement she and her twin sister had attained together was a great source of pride for their family.

Merve, who plans to pursue a master’s degree and continue her career in engineering after completing her undergraduate studies, said she had worked in solidarity with both her sister and her friends throughout her education.

Expressing her satisfaction with her educational experience in Türkiye, Merve said, “Türkiye is a country that offers international students safe and high-quality educational opportunities. We did not experience any problems during our studies. We always felt safe here.”

Addressing international students considering pursuing higher education in Türkiye, Merve said, “I can wholeheartedly recommend Türkiye to students who want to study here. They should have confidence in themselves and make the most of this opportunity.”

- 28 Yemeni Students Graduated Among the Top Students

The twin sisters’ achievement was one of the notable examples of the academic performance of Yemeni students in Türkiye during the 2025-2026 academic year.

More than 5,000 Yemeni students are currently studying at higher education institutions in Türkiye, while 214 Yemeni students graduated from universities during the 2025–2026 academic year. Of the graduates, 28 completed their university studies among the top-ranked students, while nine graduated top of their faculties.

- “Our Relations with Yemen Are Rooted in a Shared History, Deep Affection and Bonds of Brotherhood”

CoHE President Erol Özvar said the peoples of Türkiye and Yemen have strong ties dating back centuries, adding that relations between the two countries draw strength from their shared history, deep affection and bonds of brotherhood.

Addressing Yemeni youth, Özvar said, “Yemeni youth have very important responsibilities to shoulder. Alongside the knowledge and experience you will gain at our universities, it is of utmost importance that you strengthen and preserve your integrity, work ethic, spirit of solidarity, moral values, commitment to your faith and culture, and determination to serve your people.”