Need for spreading higher education stressed

GCUF vice chancellor says role of private institutes crucial.

FAISALABAD:

“Only 1.5 million of 90 million youths in Pakistan can pursue higher education. The rest do not have access to higher learning,” Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) Vice Chancellor Dr Zakir Hussain said on Wednesday.

He was addressing the annual prize distribution ceremony at the Lahore College of Education, Faisalabad.

Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mian Zahid Aslam, host college’s patron-in-chief Malik Masood and faculty members were also present.

He stressed the need to create awareness among the youth about the importance and advantage of higher education in their lives and in the success of the country.

“Youth is the future of the county and must be equipped with latest knowledge to compete with the world.”

Dr Hussain praised the Punjab government’s steps in “opening up new avenues” for the youth. He lauded the government for its “transparent initiatives”, including the Rs10 billion Punjab Education Endowment Fund, Danish Schools, Youth Festival and distribution of laptops.

He said the role of private educational institutes was crucial in broadening access to higher education.

The VC said that GCUF had received 35,000 admission applications against 6,000 seats available at the university in 2012-2013.

“It is obvious that the remaining students will seek admissions in private institutions.”

He also urged the private sector to ensure quality education, which, he said, was possible with the help of trained and qualified teaching staff.

Dr Hussain said that GCUF’s new campus would likely be completed by 2014.

He also highlighted the need for research.

In the concluding session, the VC distributed certificates and prizes among position holders.

Students’ performances, highlighting several social issues, marked the end of the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2013.