Strong industry, academia linkage urged

Minister asks universities to start technical and vocational education programmes

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday said that the industry and universities should work together to solve the country's problems through research and cooperation.

Addressing an admissions expo at the International Islamic University (IIUI) on the theme "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" at the Activity Centre of the university’s new campus, he said that people with technical education and technical experience are in demand all over the world.

He said that the government is paying special attention to vocational education. The minister also emphasised that universities should start vocational education programmes.

Hussain said that during his visit to Saudi Arabia, he held discussions on the promotion of mutual educational cooperation. He added that ongoing cooperation between IIUI and the Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University of Saudi Arabia was also discussed.

Besides Saudi government’s keenness to build a grand mosque at IIUI, the authorities of Saudi Arabia have assured cooperation in providing scholarships for Pakistani students, said Hussain.

The federal minister said that the role of IIUI in promoting peace and tolerance is commendable.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari said that success lies in the respect of teachers, and that students are the architects of the future.

Haidari congratulated the administration for the successful organisation of the event and stated that the role of IIUI in the promotion of Islam is exemplary. He opined that the role of universities is pivotal in disseminating Islam's message of peace.

Speaking on the occasion, IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that the expo is a general invitation to the architects of the future (students) to acquire knowledge, adding that the students and parents are being guided about the vision of the university in the expo. He also highlighted the university's recent achievements and role in promoting peace.

IIUI President Dr Hathal Homoud Al-Otaibi appreciated the efforts of the organisers and visited the stalls of each faculty along with the Rector and chief guest. “It is a dream to bring IIUI to the top of the list of best educational institutions, and all such events are a part of this journey,” he said.

Renowned law expert Shoaib Shaheen and president of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, vice-presidents of the university, faculty members and a large number of students were also present at the occasion.

In addition to the details of the offered degree programmes, career counselling and guidance about the process of applying in all 10 faculties, the visitor parents and candidates were given the opportunity to meet the faculty members in the expo while simultaneously touring the campus. All 10 faculties set up stalls to provide details of more than 100 degree programmes in nearly 50 departments of the university.

The faculty on the occasion guided and answered the queries related to the field and scope of subjects, available facilities, curriculum, eligibility and counselling. The visitors were also provided shuttle service to pick and drop them from university entry gates to the expo venue.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2022.