The number of steps taken by the government to raise standard of education in urban and rural areas of the country, higher education institutions in remote areas have captured prominent slots in the top universities ranking.
Among the list of top ranked universities issued by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Institute of Business Administration, Sukkur, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, University of Sindh, Jamshoro are among the few academic institutions functioning in the remote areas.
Commenting on the encouraging development, Chairperson HEC Dr Javaid Laghari said the primary purpose of the ranking exercise is to drive the higher education institutions towards improved quality, research and promote a culture among these institutions for participation in world rankings. Inclusion of universities from remote areas of Pakistan is a positive sign and indicates the provision of quality education is not only confined to big cities, he said. –APP
“I appreciate the leadership, administration and faculty of these institutions who worked hard and providing quality education to the youth belonging to remote and far flung areas”, he remarked. Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, Islamia University of Bahawalpur said in spte oflimited resources, the Islamia University has been included among top ten universities of Pakistan.
While appreciating efforts of HEC, he said the commission has paid special attention towards remote areas of Pakistan and continuous support is being provided in terms of financial support and strengthening quality assurance mechanism.
Nisar Siddique, Director Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur which secured third position among the business schools of Pakistan said the higher education institutions situated in rural areas face more challenges for hiring best faculty and providing quality education.
IBA Sukkur has not overcome these challenges but is competing with leading business schools of big cities, he added.
.–Staff Reporter