Welcome aboard: ‘Students must deliver – the nation expects it’

Freshmen inducted at the University of Engineering and Technology

LAHORE:

An induction ceremony for freshman at the University of Engineering and Technology’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes was held on Wednesday at the varsity’s new auditorium complex.

Higher Education Commission Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad was the chief guest.

“You should be proud of joining such a prestigious institution,” he said and exhorted the entrants to work hard.

Speaking about the HEC, he said the status of higher education in the country was improving every day. He said at least 10 higher education institutions in Pakistan had been included in the top institutions in the world.

“The HEC is doing its best. Now you [students] have to deliver... The nation expects it of you,” he said.

He said the country was facing difficult times. “We need students to work hard and help steer the country out of its problems.”

Pakistan is faced with an ever-growing energy crisis, unemployment and terrorism. “We can fight these issues through education and innovation.”

This year, he said, the HEC has received a record budget. The HEC chairman announced a Rs10 million grant to build hostels for girls at the university. He also inaugurated the Khalid Hall.

UET Vice Chancellor Fazal A Khalid said the HEC had helped improve the university and its campuses. “The HEC is critical to progress in the country.”

He pointed towards the need to revise the curricula. He said educators, with support from the government, must do their best to promote quality education.

He also advised students to make the best use of their time, focus on studies and seek to expand them.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2015.