Call for blending education with practical skills

‘Absence of academia-industry linkage hinders economic progress’

MANSEHRA:

During his address at the 13th Annual Convocation, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chancellor of Hazara University Mansehra, Haji Ghulam Ali emphasised the significance of blending higher education with practical skills.

He stressed that this combination is crucial for elevating Pakistan to the status of a developed nation and emphasised the importance of imparting scientific knowledge to young students. Expanding on his remarks, he highlighted that Pakistan's population comprises 52 per cent of women, underscoring the necessity of prioritising the higher education of girls and their pivotal role in the country's development.

Moreover, Haji Ghulam Ali identified the absence of robust connections between academia and industry as a major hindrance to economic progress. He urged university professors and faculty members to take the initiative in bridging this gap. He proposed an integrated strategy wherein university students would receive practical, hands-on training in industrial settings, offices, and similar environments during the final year of their education.

Meanwhile, High Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed while addressing the participating students said, “Pakistan is blessed with agricultural and mineral wealth, while our youth are no less than anyone in talent, skill and ability and can do wonders by moving forward as a team”.

Vice Chancellor Dr Mohsin Nawaz presented highlights of the University's Annual Report for the year 2022.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2023.