Ruling on studying in coeducational universities

The third question in the letter from our brothers in Iraq, from the Erbil Governorate. They say: Among us is a student who is receiving education at the university, but he wishes to know the Islamic position regarding this, as he is surrounded by women; because the study in this college is coeducational, meaning it is for both males and females. Knowing that our women, i.e., the female students, most of them are not wearing hijab, and they wear whatever they please. Please inform us, may Allah reward you?
Answer: My advice to the student in this case is that he should not study with the female students and should not mix with them; because this is a means to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) regarding them. It is obligatory for him to seek another way to learn. As for his studying with the girls, it is a means to a great danger, and it is obligatory for him to be cautious of that. Coeducational study contains great evil and major corruption. It is not permissible for the one in authority to be lenient in this matter. Rather, it is obligatory for the rulers that study be non-coeducational. Thus, it is obligatory for the rulers of the Muslims that the study for girls be separate, with protection and modesty, and that the study for boys be separate. This in one place and that in another place, with attention to the causes of safety. And Allah is the Helper. Yes.