VCs Forum Urges Faculty-Student Exchange Programs

News Desk

Islamabad: The Vice Chancellors Forum has unanimously decided on the implementation of faculty and student exchange programs within Pakistani universities, fostering cross-institutional collaboration and enriching academic experiences.

Chaired by Pakistan Science Foundation Chairman Dr Shahid Mehmood Baig, the Forum concluded yesterday with a wealth of transformative recommendations that promise to shape the landscape of higher education and effective inter-university collaborations in Pakistan.The senior leadership of academia has recommended bridging the gap between academia and industry as well as equipping the youth with necessary soft skills, bringing innovation to teaching, research and curriculum.

They have further demanded increasing budgetary allocations for the education sector and building permanent inter-university mechanisms aimed at learning from others’ best practices and expertise.

The Forum was held under the auspices of the Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pakistan (IUCPSS) and the National Skills University Islamabad. Recognising the need for continuous improvement, the forum recommended a focus on faculty capacity building through training and workshops to stay at the forefront of educational advancements. The participants also urged for a culture of art and design to be cultivated through research and funded projects, celebrating and nurturing Pakistan’s artistic and creative talents.

The forum also acknowledged the unique skills and talents within their institutions and proposed benefiting from them through faculty placement programs, creating an environment where universities can harness each other’s strengths.

To sustain the momentum of innovation, it was suggested to host VC Forum-like events on a monthly basis, promoting ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing and networking.