SBBU to launch nursing, DPT courses

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) in Lyari is set to expand its academic offerings by launching two professional degree programmes — BS Nursing and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — from the academic session of 2026 in a development being seen as an important shift from traditional to professional education at the varsity.

According to VC Prof Dr Hussain Mehdi, the university's academic council has granted approval for both programmes. Preparations are currently under way, pending financial clearance from the relevant authorities, to start admissions in the upcoming session.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Prof Mehdi also said that admissions in other disciplines, especially International Relations, Media Sciences, and Sports Sciences, had been temporarily suspended following objections raised by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC). The concerns centered on the lack of permanent faculty in these departments.

"We have submitted a request to the chief minister for approval to appoint qualified faculty. Once granted, we will issue an advertisement and aim to resume admissions from the next academic session," he added.

The vice chancellor confirmed that the university had not collected examination or affiliation fees from its affiliated colleges for the past 10 years. During this period, the university continued to bear the cost of conducting examinations, resulting in considerable financial strain. However, recent efforts by the current administration have led to the recovery of Rs3.5 million in dues over the last three months. These funds have been allocated towards much-needed campus development.

Prof Mehdi outlined the improvements, which include upgraded lighting in classrooms and corridors, new paintwork, installation of false ceilings, and the construction of a new syndicate hall equipped with recording facilities. A designated faculty lounge named 'Lyari Jeans' has also been created, designed with a strong aesthetic focus. A new cafeteria is under construction for students, and renovations are ongoing at the university's gymnasium hall.

Reflecting on the university's condition upon assuming office, Prof Mehdi described a dismal environment — broken windows, deteriorating ceilings, exposed electrical wiring, and classrooms without basic amenities such as fans. "It did not resemble a functioning university. Despite receiving no federal or provincial funding for these upgrades, we initiated and executed all renovation work independently to create a more conducive and respectable learning environment," he added.