SARGODHA - The Planning Commission has approved a major development project worth Rs1.54 billion for strengthening the University of Sargodha’s (UoS) main campus and sub-campuses at Bhakkar and Mianwali.

The decision was made in the CDWP meeting, chaired by Mr Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, held at the Ministry of Planning, Reforms and Development, Islamabad, on Monday.

UoS Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad defended the project before the meeting. Out of total amount, Rs850 million have been allocated for developing the main campus, and Rs320 million each for the two sub-campuses. The remaining Rs50 million would be spent for projects execution and consultancy services.

The UoS has received such a major federal grant sponsored by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) after a gap of 10 years - an outcome of the earnest efforts being made by the current university administration to enhance its teaching and research profile, knowledge sharing capacity and academic linkages.

At the main campus, key development projects include the expansion of Language Departments to include the discipline of China Studies; training Mass Communication students and media professionals in multimedia production techniques; expansion of agricultural research at College of Agriculture by strengthening the post-graduate labs; construction of state-of-the-art multipurpose academic structure; and expansion of Central Research Labs facilities. At Bhakkar and Mianwali sub-campuses, development projects include the extension of academic blocks, strengthening of science and computer labs; construction of girls hostels; and provision of student transport and staff residential facilities. All the development projects are expected to be completed in the next three years i.e. 2021.

“Together, these projects complement our strategic plan to take the University of Sargodha to the next level of academic excellence, especially in its comparatively stronger fields of agriculture, languages, media studies and basic sciences,” said Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad. The VC also thanked the university management and all the faculty members, especially Mr Shafiullah Marwat, Director Planning and Development, for preparing the PC-1 and following it up at the HEC and Planning Commission before its final approval.