A consultative dialogue on “effective engagement of students on the university campuses” was held at the Government College University (GCU). Eminent academicians from leading public and private sector universities participated in the dialogue stressing the need for establishing student councils and societies in all educational institutions for producing students with well-rounded personalities and leadership skills.
In his opening remarks, GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asghar Zaidi said that heads of all educational institutions had a responsibility to provide conducive and peaceful environment to their students and faculty. He said that GCU had more than century old history of student clubs and societies led by students as office-bearers and these societies acted as nurseries to inculcate in the students character building, team spirit and leadership skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Nizam-ud-Din, the former chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission, said that clashes were erupted when universities’ administrations didn’t adhere to the issues and complaints of students. He also believed that students should be given leadership role in organizing co-curricular activities on their campuses.
Dr Rauf-i-Azam, the pro-ractor of University of Lahore (UOL), raised concerns about the excessive and irresponsible use of social media by youth. He said activities on campuses should be designed to make students responsible citizen and an empathetic human being.
Abbottabad University of Science & Technology’s Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujaddad ur Rehman and Women University Multan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Uzma Quraishi highlighted the increasing rate of depression in youth, saying that cultural, co-curricular activities and sports were also crucial for mental health of students.
University of South Asia’s Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood said no specific group should be allowed to distort the peaceful environment of universities which was mandatory for healthy debate, academics and research.
Gomal University’s Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Sarwar and Khwaja Fareed, University of Engineering and Information Technology’s (UET) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Suleman Tahir also demanded the government to provide funding especially to the newly built colleges and universities for student activities.
Vice Chancellors of 15 Universities including National Skills University’s VC Professor Muhammad Mukhtar participated in the dialogue moderated by Muhammad Murtaza Noor, the National Coordinator of Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences (IUPCSS), Islamabad.
This event was jointly organised by Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences. Earlier, a memorandum of understanding was to formally include the Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences (IUPCSS), Islamabad. Professor Zaidi and Muhammad Murtaza Noor signed the accord at a graceful ceremony at GCU Vice Chancellor’s Office.