SZABMU sets in motion national programme for faculty development

Islamabad:The Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University has rolled out the National Outreach Programme for Higher Education Faculty, in collaboration with the NAHE and HEC, highlighting its dedication to enhancing education quality and supporting faculty growth across the country's higher education sector.

The launch event for the programme, which comes in partnership with the National Academy of Higher Education and Higher Education Commission to provide professional development opportunities to early-career faculty members from across the country, was hosted by the SZABMU's School of Dentistry.

The ceremony kicked off with a welcome address from Director of SZABMU Quality Enhancement Cell Dr. Syeda Kiran Riaz followed by opening remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tariq Iqbal and a key address by NAHE Programme Coordinator Tahir Abbas Zaidi.

Prof. Tariq Iqbal highlighted the long-term impact of the programme, noting that it would not only improve the quality of instruction but also encourage the adoption of innovative teaching methods.

He said that such initiatives were integral to fostering collaboration among faculty members and enriching the overall student learning experience. The VC reiterated the SZABMU’s commitment to the continuous professional development of higher education faculty in the country, especially within the medical and health sectors, to ensure academic excellence and positive societal impact.

Mr Tahir Abbas Zaidi emphasised that th e National Outreach Programme was designed to enhance the competencies of early-career faculty across public sector universities, with a focus on faculties in medical, dental, and allied health sciences.

He said the training programme aimed to equip participants with essential skills in several critical areas, including professional development, academic planning and implementation, psychological well -being, communication skills, technology integration, technology integration , and research and development.

According to him, the programme emphasises the importance of professional ethics, competencies, and the role of faculty as intellectual leaders and agents of social change, with participants being trained on curriculum development, course outline revi sions, and effective teaching strategies to improve learning outcomes.

It will also address mental health concerns, stress management techniques, and personality disorders to improve both faculty and student wellbeing. The programme focuses on enhancing interpersonal communication skills to foster better engagement between faculty and students in educational settings. The training will provide faculty with tools to incorporate digital technologies into their teaching methodologies. Participants will also receive training in academic writing, research methodologies, and best practices for maintaining research integrity.

N AHE Assistant Director Ghulam Murtaza Goraya briefed attendees on the roles and responsibilities of the training coordinators, resource persons and participants to ensure the success of the program me.

SZABMU Registrar Prof. Dr. Shahabuddin expressed appreciation for offering early-career faculty the chance to boost their professional skills. He said the launch of the National Outreach Programme underscored SZABMU’s dedication to enhancing the quality of education and faculty development across the country's higher education landscape.