Saudi Arabia will build a new grand mosque at the new campus of the International Islamic University Islamabad while the varsity will undergo a period of expansion - physical and in terms of departments.
This was disclosed by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) President Dr Hathal bin Homoud Al-Otaibi while addressing a brainstorming session on the university’s organogram at its new campus the other day. He encouraged the active participation of officials to help improve IIUI’s performance.
Talking about new developments, Dr Al-Otaibi said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia has decided to build a grand mosque at that varsity apart from taking a keen interest in meeting its other infrastructural needs.
Shedding light on other upcoming developments in the varsity, he said that a Quality Enhancement Cell will be set up which will directly report to his office. This cell, he said, will focus on the interaction within and outside the campus.
Terming the role of information technology in the digital age as critical, he said that a department will be developed as per contemporary requirements while it will be tasked with launching an e-governance feature on campus.
He further emphasized the importance of the university’s online education system and outlined plans to make special arrangements to market this aspect to attract international students.
To address the issue of space on campus, he said that the matter has been granted top priority and that a separate department on infrastructural development will be set up which will directly report to him.
The IIUI president also said that new faculties are also part of IIUI’s plans.
“We have the potential to shine, and teamwork and dedicated efforts will lead us to best results,” he said.
He further emphasised on training and academic excellence, adding that deputy deans will be appointed in different faculties for academic excellence, research and development. For this purpose, the varsity’s human resource department will be engaged to train professionals to broaden exposure and polish abilities of staff.
Dr Al-Otaibi said the brain-storming activity was the first step towards preparing a strategic plan of the university with the consultation of stakeholders, adding that it is the transitional phase for a takeoff approach in the future.
Later, vice presidents, deans, director generals, faculty members and administrative heads of various departments, centres and institutions in the university mulled over suggestions, possibilities and recommendations for a revamped organogram of the university.
The participants were divided into 30 groups each having representation from faculties, administration and other relevant departments.
The groups were given three proposed organograms for which they came up with their arguments. In the second phase, each group member elaborated on their chosen models.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2020.
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