President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said the government was committed to promote education and it was making all possible efforts to promote the education of engineering and technology as well in the country.
“It is not only expanding educational facilities in the government sector, but also encouraging the private sector to invest in the noble cause of nation building,” the president said while addressing the 17th convocation of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) on Thursday.
He noted with satisfaction that the private sector was positively responding to nation building efforts. The president, however, appealed the private sector to fortify their efforts in this direction and establish more educational institutions particularly in the field of science and technology. He congratulated all the graduating students, their parents and the faculty members on their accomplishment.
“No doubt, it is a great honour to earn a degree from this prestigious seat of learning,” he said, adding, “You must be proud that your alma mater is the legacy of the vision of our great leader Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.”
The president further said that Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association deserved highest appreciation in establishing this university of science and technology. “The initiative is in line with wishes of our great leader Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who wanted us to excel in science and technology,” he added.
The president recalled a message of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the All Pakistan Education Conference held in Karachi on November 27, 1947, in which the Quaid said, “There is immediate and urgent need for training our people in the scientific and technical education in order to build up future economic life, and we should see that our people undertake scientific commerce, trade and particularly, well-planned industries. But do not forget that we have to compete with the world, which is moving very fast in this direction. Also I must emphasize that greater attention should be paid to technical and vocational education”.
The president was appreciative of SSUET, which within just two decades of its existence, had distinguished itself as a prominent institution of the country for imparting technological study. “This is no small achievement”, he added. The president said it became possible with continued hard work, devotion and dedication of the faculty and vision of the management.
“I appreciate Engr Adil Usman, chancellor of the university for his dynamic leadership,” he added. The president said he was impressed by the achievements that the university had made within a short span of 20 years. “Your valuable contribution in promoting the cause of engineering and science education in the country is highly commendable,” he added.
Addressing the graduating students, the president said: “Today marks an important day in your lives. It is by sheer hard work, dedication and perseverance that you have achieved success in your academic pursuits.”
“It is a beginning of another phase of your life. I hope that you will be guided by the noble values that you have acquired at this university”, he said, adding, “Ahead of you is now the noble task to serve the nation with sincerity, honesty and commitment.”
The president told the students that in their practical lives, they would come across many challenges and conflicting situations, but asked them to remember that they have to face these challenges with the strength of their mind and character.
“Perseverance, commitment and honesty should be the guiding principles in your life. Remember that there are no shortcuts to success in life except hard work and dedication”, he added. The president on this occasion also presented gold, silver and bronze medals to the graduates who bagged first, second and third positions in their respective fields of study.
