GCU convocation: Girls outshine boys

1,291 graduated conferred degrees including 55 PhDs.

LAHORE: As many as 1,291 students were conferred degrees at the 10th Government College University (GCU) convocation on Wednesday.

The convocation was held at the Bokhari Auditorium. As many as 21 top positions in 26 disciplines were won by girls. The girls also got 13 of the 16 gold medals. Doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees were awarded to 55 graduated. Five students received medals and 26 names were added to rolls of honour for co-circular activities.

The convocation was presided over by Governor Sardar Latif Khosa. Speaking on the convocation, the governor said that he would ensure provision of financial resources for the establishment of a new GCU campus at Kala Shah Kaku. He said, “The government will not turn away its face from its responsibility towards educational institutions.” Khosa lauded GCU's contribution to art and literature.

GCU Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Khaleequr Rahman said that in a knowledge-driven world, the only divide between the rich and the poor countries was the “knowledge divide.”

“Only the countries that have invested in education have progressed rapidly,” he said.

Dr Rahman announced that new examination rules, in line with international practices, have been devised and will be implemented.

He said that the university departments have been granted autonomy in academic as well as financial affairs. “This is vital for any university. It will help cut down the bureaucratic delays,” he said.

The GCU VC mentioned that 37 foreign professors were currently teaching at GCU’s Lahore campus. He said the university had hosted 307 conferences and seminars, including three international conferences, in 2010-2011.

Talking about GCU’s development projects, the VC said that 14 development projects had been completed during 2010 and 2011.

“Currently, we are implementing development projects with Rs662.64 million grants from the government of Punjab and Rs102.047 million from the Higher Education Commission,” he said.

Vice chancellors of nine universities including the Punjab University, the Lahore College for Women University, the Sargodha University, the University of Education, the University of Lahore and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences were also present.