Fatima Jinnah Women University holds 16th convocation

1,409 students awarded degrees including four PhD, 53 MPhil, 616 masters and 736 bachelors

Islamabad

The 16th Convocation of the Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) held at the Jinnah Convention Centre Tuesday to commemorate the academic accomplishments of its students and outstanding achievements in their academic career.

Chief guest Minister for Higher Education Punjab and Pro Chancellor Syed Raza Ali Gillani conferred degrees on the graduating students at bachelors, masters, MPhil and PhD level.

A total of 1,409 students were awarded degrees including four PhD, 53 MPhil's, 616 masters and 736 bachelors. Moreover, 70 gold and silver medals were also awarded to the students having distinction in their respective programme.

The event was attended by Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission Prof Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin, Executive Director HEC Dr Arshad Ali, Vice Chancellor Arid University Agriculture Dr Rai Muhammad Niaz, Chairman Intermediate and Secondary Education, Rawalpindi Dr Muhammad Zarif, Prof Dr Bushra Mirza, Dr Mehmoodul Hasan, Prof Dr Iftikharun Nisa Hassan, Registrar Prof Samina Bukhari, educationists, students and parents attended the convocation.

Addressing on the occasion Syed Raza Ali Gillani said Pakistani students were best in ability, confidence and knowledge and they were excelling in various disciplines in the entire world. He said we can improve ourselves by seeking knowledge in accordance to the international standard and requirements.

He was of the view that Pakistani students should seek knowledge across the world but serve in Pakistan. He also lauded the valuable contributions of teaching faculty and parents for supporting students in acquiring higher education.

He said government was committed to make educational reforms and special focus had been given on promotion of basic as well as for higher education. He said government investing for the future of Pakistan and they had been provided modern facilities and opportunities.

He was glad to know that 52 % out going students of the FJWU were getting jobs and it was also source of satisfaction that students excelling in market oriented subjects. Syed Ali Gillani said, "This day is a momentous occasion for passing out students, their hard work, commitment to excellence and efforts that have borne fruits and have enabled them to earn their degrees.

"He said this degree was only the beginning of another phase of their lives. It was a stepping stone from an academic environment into the rigors and challenges of practical life, where the skills they have accumulated throughout their lives will be put to test.

It was imperative that they continue to strive and work hard, and prove their mettle. He said institution of higher education had great responsibilities for producing quality graduates to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

FJWU was contributing towards this and developing the human resource of the country. He highlighted the commitment of government of Punjab in providing quality higher education, as par with international levels, and aimed to build and develop a knowledge economy of this country.

With this goal in mind, the government set up the Punjab Higher Education Commission, which since its inception had been committed to development, expansion and progress through its numerous initiatives, he added.

He said there were several challenges that needed to be addressed and government of Punjab was providing it through HEC, aiming to increase equitable access, through upgrading academic standards, promoting research, and introducing and facilitating faculty development programmes.

Syed Raza Ali Gillani concluded his address by congratulating the university graduates with the remarks, "I can only imagine the social pressures a woman in our society faces to reach where you have reached today.

This makes your achievement all the more remarkable and admirable. But this should also be a reminder, that you are the privileged few who were given this opportunity. Your contribution to and conduct in society and in your professional lives will pave the way for other women to follow in your footsteps".

The Bank of Punjab awarded cash prizes among the top scoring students in the Department of Business Administration those were, Mamoona Naz, Komal Shahzad (BBS), Aqsa Murtaz (BBA Regular), Sidra Babar Khan (BBA Self Support). An additional gold medal was instituted by the First Women Bank in 2005. The coveted award went to Noor Saba Muneeb top scoring student of the Department of Economics.