QAU convocation ceremony: An occasion for students to bask in glory

VC urges president to resolve varsity’s issues.

ISLAMABAD:

The convocation of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) on Tuesday was an occasion to celebrate the achievements of students and a moment of pride for their parents.

Around 2,655 master’s students, masters of philosophy (MPhil) and doctors of philosophy (PhD) from the faculties of biological sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and medicine received degrees and medals.

Maria Saleem, a Chemistry graduate and gold medallist, was of the view that though the subject was dry, hard work and guidance from her professors that had helped her earn the medal. Aneeqa Ansar, a graduate of gender studies, said her teachers urged students to think critically and adopt a research-based approach which made her proud.



The varsity’s chancellor, President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion. Hussain congratulated the students and said the day was evidence that dreams can come true.

“The trick is to aim high and to be determined and to never forget the values emphasised at the campus-integrity, creativity, and excellence.”

There is need for greater expertise for the optimum utilisation of resources, and better management at all tiers is the key to national development, he stated. The president ended his speech with the hope that the graduates would help bring about social change by strengthening peoples’ faith in the rule of law.

The president awarded 1,708 master’s degrees, 766 MPhil and 181 PhD degrees to students. The Chancellor’s Medal was conferred upon 14 students who topped in their faculty while the Vice Chancellor’s Medal was awarded to 66 students who topped at the departmental level.



Vice Chancellor Masoom Yasinzai spoke of QAU’s achievements and shared that the university stood first in the latest HEC ranking among the medium category. Out of 7,500 students on campus, about 40% comprised of PhD and MPhil Scholars, adding that the varsity on average produced about 100 PhDs annually.

Yasinzai took the opportunity to request the president to address their issues. He asked Hussain to help lift a ban on recruitment of federal employees, because of which hiring faculty is a problem.

He also requested for more hostels especially for girls who come from far-flung areas of the country and find it difficult to find a place to live in the capital.

The president assured the faculty that their demands would be considered.

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