Ignorance, illiteracy main reasons behind unstability: K-P governor

Hazara University holds its fifth convocation.

MANSEHRA:

The provision of higher education to the youth is extremely important for the country’s future and image. This was stated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Barrister Masood Kausar during the fifth convocation ceremony of Hazara University here on Sunday.

“Educating the youth is a noble service to humanity, which is truly in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam,” he remarked.

A total of 612 graduates were present during the ceremony, out of which 58 students were given gold medals for achieving distinctions in various subjects. Sahib Gul Afridi from Khyber Agency received the honour of being the first PhD scholar from the university in Genetics. He was also given a gold medal.

The governor said meaningful research activities and industrial links are needed in the modern age. “Universities all over the world have been playing a crucial role for economic prosperity and social wellbeing of people. Therefore there is a strong need to improve the education system to deal with current challenges and ensure a peaceful and stable society for the next generation,” he said, adding that people had a lot of expectations from several universities in the province.

The governor said universities should serve as the “foundations of wisdom” and “pillars of strength” for the nation, and the researchers should provide a clear roadmap with defined objectives for national security and society’s prosperity.

He added that numerous challenges being faced by the country are due to ignorance and illiteracy, and there is a need to improve higher education to the extent where they can contribute towards poverty alleviation and make development in the country sustainable.

Kausar appreciated the research being conducted by Hazara University, and said that the high ranking of the university at provincial as well as national level “speaks volumes” about the university’s achievements. He also assured to provide all possible support in materialising the university’s incomplete construction projects, and proposed the construction of sub-campuses in Haripur and Havelian districts.

The governor requested the graduating students to serve their country with utmost dedication. The country is going through one of the most difficult times and it is extremely important for the educated class to come forward, he added.

Earlier, Hazara University Vice Chancellor Dr Sakhawat Shah said that the university, which once had only seven faculty members and 57 students, now comprises three campuses with more than 7,000 students, 290 faculty members, 65 of whom have PhDs.

In addition to that, 25 more PhD scholars would join the university after completing their studies abroad, he added. Three scientists from the university have also been recognised at a national level, while, 125 research publications have been produced by the university, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2011.