‘Varsities must focus on research’

ISLAMABAD:

In a fast-evolving world, it is critical that universities and other higher learning institutions focus on research and to promote a culture of research.

This was suggested by the Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood on Wednesday as he inaugurated a newly-constructed Science Block at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad. Addressing the senior faculty and administrative staff of the varsity at the ceremony, Mehmood commended AIOU for proving to be a role model for other national institutions, particularly in the field of distance learning in the middle of a global pandemic. He added that the varsity had made effective use of the latest information and communication technology to connect students with teachers.

Later, AIOU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Ziaul Qayyum briefed the minister on the automation and digitisation process at the university. The VC said that as many as 1.4 million students are currently enrolled at the AIOU, while some 3.6 million students have graduated from it over the years.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2020.