Islamabad(PR): National Assembly’s standing committee on Education and Professional Development has appreciated and endorsed the ongoing and future initiatives of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for facilitating its students in their educational pursuits.
The committee at its meeting held here on Monday at the University’s main campus lauded the AIOU’s steps taken during the last two years for upgrading the educational facilities, particularly for those living in the country’s far-flung regions.
The meeting, presided over by the committee’s chairman Col. Dr. Amirullah Marwat was also attended by the Minister of State for Education Muhammad Baligur Rehman and Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. It appreciated the comprehensive briefing on the University’s performance, working and achievements, given by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui.
While ensuring their full support to the University in implementing its future development plan, particularly setting up its own education TV channel and bringing Deeni Madrsas’ students in the mainstream, the committee’s members made various suggestions for the improvement of teaching, monitoring and examination system. They emphasized that there should be zero tolerance for preparation of fake assignments by the students. It called for laying greater emphasis on quality education and strengthening of regional officials. They suggested holding of regular tutorial meetings and consolidating students-teachers links
The committee’s chairman in its concluding remarks said, they are pleased and satisfied with the AIOU’s performance and achievements in educational sector. He hoped it would keep up its efforts further improving its overall educational system and learning management.
Minister of Education noted that the AIOU was moving to right direction in enhancing its soft image and overcoming its certain weaknesses. The University’s research-oriented and community-based academic programs are highly commendable. He also underlined the importance of massive online open courses, and noted that the University has already taken initiatives to this effect.
The NA Committee also lauded the Vice Chancellor’s special initiatives regarding provision of free education to the prisoners, setting up accessibility center for the visually impaired students and launching of community-based services. It recommended that the available facilities for the special students should be expanded.
It expressed satisfaction over the University’s financial management system and hoped it will maintain its sound budgetary position.
