Challenges, opportunities in education reforms

Khalid Khattak: In a recent interview with Mr Syed Abidi, a distinguished educationist and veteran in the realm of international education, profound insights were shared regarding the transformative potential of various educational initiatives.

Mr Abidi's views resonated strongly with the visionary approach of Punjab's new and first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, who aims to reinvigorate the educational landscape of the province. He commenced by emphasising the pivotal role of Transnational Education (TNE) in fostering educational excellence.

Talking to The News, Syed Abidi underscored the importance of inviting esteemed foreign universities to establish campuses in Pakistan, citing Punjab as an ideal location due to its conducive environment. Such collaborations, he noted, would provide students from all corners of Pakistan with access to world-class education and opportunities for academic enrichment.

Furthermore, Mr Abidi championed the cause of international collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education (TVE), particularly in burgeoning fields like Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Recognising the evolving needs of the industrial workforce, he stressed the imperative of equipping youth with relevant skills tailored to meet the demands of the changing world of work.

Effective collaboration, Syed Abidi asserted, necessitates active engagement from both academia and industry. Universities must proactively align their curricula with industry requirements, integrating practical training sessions and facilitating access to cutting-edge technology. Simultaneously, industries should extend avenues for internships, mentoring programmes, and experiential learning opportunities, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice. A recipient of the coveted national civil award, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Syed Abidi underscored the transformative potential of technology in education. He highlighted the role of learning management systems (LMS), online collaboration platforms, and virtual simulations in streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing the overall learning experience. However, he cautioned against viewing technology as a mere replacement for traditional teaching methods, emphasising its role as a facilitator and enhancer of student learning.

Nevertheless, Abidi said that there may be challenges in adhering to the legal and academic prerequisites of all parties involved, which must be aligned with the regulations and procedures stipulated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Washington Accord. It is imperative that these regulations are adhered to by all stakeholders.

In conclusion, Mr Abidi's insights align seamlessly with the visionary agenda set forth by Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Through initiatives such as international collaborations, bolstering TVE, and harnessing the power of technology in education, Punjab is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards educational excellence and societal advancement. He pledged his dedication to leveraging his expertise and international academic connections to propel the education agenda and contribute to the nation's overall welfare. Additionally, he underscored the vital significance of career counselling, emphasising that it warrants significant attention and should not be underestimated.