Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Islah Trust of Pakistan (ITP) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration for joint media production to meet the requirement of teachers and students who do not have access to quality education.
This initiative would empower and facilitate the students and teachers to have knowledge of the relevant syllabus through video network. Under the arrangement, the ITP has pledged to provide Rs 50 million to AIOU to prepare programmes covering units, contents and topics relating to all subjects for class 9 and 10. Initially, the video-based programme will be prepared for class 9.
The MoU was signed by AIOU Registrar Muhammad Bashir Chaudhry and ITP Member Board of Trustees Brig (R) Dr Maqsud Hassan and AIOU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Nazir Ahmed Sangi.
Speaking on the occasion, the VC expressed hope in the collaboration efforts between AIOU and ITP which will help provide access to quality education to all segments of society. He said, “The contents in the syllabus course would be designed in a manner that will help to reform the society in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).”
He ensured that the university would complete the task within a period of eighteen months laying greater focus on the quality of the work.
Furthermore, he said that the prime focus has been on quality and skill-based education in the recent years to prepare the young generation to participate in the nation-building task in an effective manner. He hoped for international recognition of AIOU on the basis of quality education from the Commonwealth of Learning.
Dr Maqsood Hassan said that the ITP was actively engaged to inspire the younger generation towards Islamic values and character building. “This initiative would benefit students and teachers alike who are deprived of quality education and proper infrastructure. It would empower the students and teachers living in rural areas, facilitating them through technology and e-based learning.” He appreciated the AIOU and the VC’s vision for their dedication towards providing quality education through distant learning.
IET Director Qasim Haider briefed the participants about the project which he said aims to respond to the ever growing needs in the education sector through application of multi-faceted element of digital technology. He said, “The project envisages developing media supplement for academic contents ranging from class 1 to 9. He highlighted its tremendous worth for students and learners, especially in remote and far flung areas faced with dearth of qualified teachers in different disciplines, lack of laboratories, libraries, IT connectivity and related resources.
Gomal University Vice Chancellor Dr Mansoor Akbar Kundi, ITP Member Board of Trustees Mushtaq Ahmed, deans, senior professors and officers of AIOU were also present on the occasion.