NEWS & SUCCESS STORIES

An Exclusive Talk with UMT UMOs & Faculty by Prof. Dr. Atta-Ur-Rahman

Higher education is viewed today as of paramount importance and the capital investment for economic and social development of any society. Accreditations and Academics Quality Improvement Cell (AAQIC) organized an exclusive live talk with UNESCO Science Laureate, and Former Founding Chair of HEC, Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman (N.I., H.I., S.I., and T.I.). Dr. Atta is the incumbent Chairman of Prime Minister's Task Force on Science and Technology. The session aimed at presenting a holistic overview of higher education in Pakistan and the educational reforms required to cope with the rapid development. A tremendous importance to the issue of education is given because of its central position in the progress of a country. The session was joined by Dr. Muhammad Aslam- Rector UMT and all Deans/Directors where Dr. Atta addressed about disruptive technologies that can make an impact by 2025, universities of the future, blended learning, and research output of various countries. He discussed the need for reforms in higher education institutes to survive globalization, competition, and commercialization. Some of the points he raised include: the strong formation of undergraduate programs, focus on new technologies and dimensions, innovation and culture of entrepreneurship, technology parks within the university, integration of MOOCs in course curricula, and the development of the right ecosystem for the students. The session further included a Q&A session and opportunities of joint collaborations were considered.