Gilani calls for strategy to make universities centres of research and quality

Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need for effective leadership, better governance and a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education sector. He said universities must become centres of research, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic quality. He was speaking as chief guest at an event on “Strategic planning and leadership for excellence”, organised by the National Academy for Higher Education of the Higher Education Commission.

The Senate Chairman said the role of universities was no longer limited to imparting knowledge. They must also build critical thinking, creativity, moral values, leadership and the ability to meet the demands of a changing world among young people. He praised the Higher Education Commission, in particular the National Academy for Higher Education, for bringing together vice chancellors and pro vice chancellors from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Rawalpindi region on one platform. He said such programmes gave university leaders the chance to exchange experiences, improve governance and draw up effective institutional strategies.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said strategic planning was not merely an administrative exercise but a basic requirement for institutional growth and excellence. Strong universities, he said, needed a clear vision, transparent governance, responsible use of resources and an environment that promoted innovation, research and cooperation. He also praised the participation of women’s universities in the programme. He said empowering women through higher education was of fundamental importance to national progress. Investing in women’s education and leadership, he said, strengthened families, society, institutions and the economy. The Senate Chairman said Pakistan’s progress was directly linked to the strength of its universities.

He urged that institutions of higher education be turned into strong centres of research, innovation, entrepreneurship and policymaking, so that graduates could play a meaningful role in society and the national economy. He said education was one of the strongest pillars of national unity and sustainable development. Universities in all parts of Pakistan, he said, could play an important role in social harmony, promoting democratic values and national progress. Praising the Higher Education Commission’s steps to build institutional leadership and strategic capacity, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said such programmes helped university heads shape effective strategies in line with international developments and national priorities.

He urged vice chancellors and pro vice chancellors to promote a culture of excellence, cooperation, inclusion and innovation in their institutions. They should, he said, encourage research, support entrepreneurship and prepare students to become responsible citizens and future leaders. Congratulating the participants and organisers, the Senate Chairman expressed hope that the discussions and exchange of experiences at the programme would help strengthen the higher education sector in Pakistan further.

He said, “We have to build universities that not only educate minds but also instil character, leadership and a spirit of service to the nation.” Praying for peace, prosperity and continued progress in Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani pledged to keep supporting initiatives for education, institutional capacity and national development.