KARACHI: Over 1,000 graduates in BS and MS programme were conferred degrees at the 20th Convocation of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), on Sunday.
The position holders were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals for securing highest marks in the respective disciplines.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of educationists, scholars, dignitaries including faculty members and students.
Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was the chief guest, appreciated the efforts made by SSUET in producing many engineers.
Addressing the graduates, he said that they have been equipped with the creative and innovative abilities to take up the challenges ahead and should contribute towards a more successful and technologically advanced Pakistan. They should not limit themselves to just bachelor degree but should go forth for Master’s and PhDs to meet the present day challenges, he added.
Dr Qadeer recalled when India acquired nuclear technology and became a nuclear power with the sole objective to establish its hegemony. He came up with a proposal to make Pakistan a nuclear power which was immediately approved and within 6 years he achieved his target and made Pakistan a nuclear power.
He said whatever may be the political scenario; they should devote themselves to the cause and interests of the country.
“This is our country and we have to work for the glory of our motherland”, he said.
Earlier in his address, SSUET Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that this was an era of a knowledge-based economy in which small countries such as Singapore and Korea have excelled to developed countries.
“If you see for yourself, you will observe that the access to, and use of modern technological education are the key to social development and evolution of human civilisation”.
He said SSUET holds a prominent place in the academic sector due to its high standard of education and the training it imparts to its students. “Our graduates are fully equipped to take on the challenges of the present and future requirements”, he added.
In his address, SSUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Jawaid H Rizvi said that focus of the university since its inception has been on the dissemination of knowledge and imparting skills and expertise through quality education in the domain of science, engineering and technology.
“Sir Syed University believes that technology plays a vital role in the development and progress of our country as all modern development taking place these days are the direct outcome of technical advancement. The university believes that the economic future of Pakistan is in the hands of engineers and technology experts”, he concluded.
The convocation proceedings were conducted by the SSUET registrar.