Kyrgyz parliamentarian visits AIOU

Islamabad

A senior Parliamentarian of Kyrgyz Republic. Aida Ismailova visited Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) here on Thursday and expressed keen interest in taking benefit of its expertise and experience in promoting education in her country through distance learning system, says a press release.

She met the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui and discussed the possibility of establishing a joint distance learning institute for the benefit of their students and academic staff. It was agreed that the two sides will soon sign a MoU for bilateral cooperation in the education sector.   

Ms. Aida who was here to represent her country at Asian Parliamentary Assembly appreciated the University’s for catering the educational needs of thousands of people, particularly those who live in far flung regions and have no access to formal education system due to social and financial constraints.    

While taking round of various departments of the University, she said her country could benefit from the AIOU’s huge academic and infrastructure network. The University’s Central Library and Press and Publication Unit reflected its leading position in the educational sector.

She was highly impressed to see the Accessibility Center set up at the Central Library for visually impaired persons, stating it is unique one for others to follow. She congratulated the Vice Chancellor for her visionary approach to this effect. This also reflected his love for the deprived section of the society, she added.   

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui gave him comprehensive briefing on the University’s overall learning management system. He told her that the University with annual 1.3 million students serving the society for the last 42 years and providing affordable quality education at their door-step. Dr. Zahid Majeed in-charge International collaboration and exchange office was also present on the occasion. 

It may be mentioned here that Kyrgyz Extraordinary Ambassador and Chairman Board of Trustee International University of Kyrgyzstan Prof. Dr. Asylbek A. Aidaraliev also visited the AIOU early this year and endorsed the proposed of setting joint institute in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyz Republic, He is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month to finalise the collaborative partnership.