UAF orientation: ‘Education is the only route to development’

VC urges students to dedicate all their time and energy to studies.

FAISALABAD:

“The solution to problems Pakistan is faced with today lies in training our human resource. Only quality education can set us on the path to a brighter future,” University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said at an orientation ceremony organised by the Agrarian Society on Tuesday for freshman students in UAF’s Bachelors programme. 

Social Sciences Dean Iqbal Zafar, Sciences Dean Muhammad Javaid, Plant Breeding Chairman Abdus Salam, Hall Warden Muhammad Amjad, Dr Nazir Ahmad, and Dr Sultan Mahmood were also present.

The vice chancellor urged the students not to spare any efforts in obtaining as much knowledge as they could.



“Education is a lifelong journey,” said Dr Khan, “It is the road to development.”
He said that he was proud to announce that the UAF was among the top 200 universities, in the disciplines of agriculture and forestry, in the world.

“The increase in women’s enrolment is very encouraging,” he said, “The university has also increased the class size.”

The VC said Pakistan was blessed with excellent natural resources and very talented people.

Dr Salam encouraged students to work hard to prove their mettle. He said the UAF has been trying hard to ensure quality education and facilities for its students.

Dr Amjad said the University of Agriculture Faisalabad currently had 16,000 students. The capacities of hostels had been increased to accommodate more students, he said.



Financial Assistance Director Brig (retd) Javaid Anwar said comprehensive financial assistance programmes had been prepared to facilitate talented and deserving students. He said students should take advantage of the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, HEC’s need-based scholarships, the work-study programme, loans, fee concessions and on-campus jobs.

Examination Controller Shafqat Iqbal told the new students to dedicate their time and energy to attaining education. He spoke about the examinations process, grading mechanism and the semester system. He said state-of-the-art facilities had been provided to all departments.

Dr Siddique said that students should participate in the students’ societies supervised by the office of the Senior Tutor. The Qirat Club, Debating Club, Writers’ Society, Art Club, Quiz Club were among such societies that provide a platform for students to exhibit their talents.

Sports Director Muhammad Shafiq said it was unfortunate that many students preferred spending time on computers to playing sports. He requested the students to participate in sports activities and briefed them about the facilities and sports equipment available to them.

Dr Aslam encouraged students to develop leadership qualities.

Chief Librarian Abdul Ghafoor said the university library had 2.5 million books.

“The library is where students become toppers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2013.