AN ADDRESS TO AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY 2004 CONVOCATION

Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan,
Governor of Sindh, Pakistan

Ambassador Saidullah Khan Dehlavi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Aga Khan University, and Members of the Board;
Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, President, Aga Khan University;
Donors, volunteers and other supporters of the university;
Faculty;
Graduates of 2004;
Parents and guardians;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen.

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

It is indeed a pleasure for me to participate in the 17th convocation of Aga Khan University and I take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the university for inviting me to this august ceremony. I convey to the graduates my heartiest congratulations on their achievements which mark the completion of a phase of highly dedicated and committed effort. You will now be entering a new phase of life, through your respective professions which will demand dedication and a sense of purpose to serve your fellow citizens. You are indeed privileged to have been associated with an institution which believes in quality and excellence in education and professional development. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable support and encouragement of your respective families, who indeed must have played a pivotal role in your achievements. You all have my best wishes for success.

In Pakistan, as you know, human resource development has been neglected to a worrying extent. It is a pity that even after over half a century of its existence, the country ranks 120th on the scale of the world human development indicators. The situation of mass education is particularly alarming. And that is why, I look upon you to help the country progress.

The statistics indicate a literacy rate at the lower end in comparison with other Asian countries, and it is even worse for the female population resulting in gender inequalities. There is an urgent need for efforts to alleviate this imbalance. Furthermore, the situation in higher education is even more alarming. With a population of 140 million, only 2.6 per cent of the age group, 17-23 years are enrolled in the colleges and universities of Pakistan. This is a grave pointer to the potential leadership crises in years to come. We should have quality opportunities to engage this youth group, to effectively prepare them for challenges ahead.

A closer look at the educational development in Pakistan reveals that the education system is faced with a number of problems and constraints largely emanating from low allocations for the education sector and inefficient use of resources in the past. Although the government, during the last three years, has taken major initiatives, it still has a long way to go. In order to facilitate rapid and effective improvement in the social sector, public-private partnership is gaining an important place in implementation of the policies. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the key role that Aga Khan University has played through policy dialogues with various provincial governments, especially with respect to nursing, teacher education and school improvement.

We are indebted to the Chancellor of the University His Highness the Aga Khan for this invaluable gift to the people of Pakistan, indeed more so for this province as a major national and regional resource. It was heartening to hear from President Kassim-Lakha that the planning of the University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences in the area known as the education city is at advanced stage. This new initiative of Aga Khan University demonstrates deep commitment of His Highness to this country and to the cause of quality education.

Since Aga Khan University was the first to be established in the private sector, it has carried well the added responsibility as the trend setter for standards in higher education and health care services. The vision and far sight of the dynamic leadership of His Highness has propelled this institution to reach milestones which institutions usually take a long time to achieve.

The School of Nursing, the first initiative of this institution has made its mark in setting trends in the field of nursing education. The journey which began with a modest diploma programme in nursing has blossomed into several advanced academic initiatives in nursing. It is a tremendous achievement. The leadership, and the faculty deserve special appreciation for achieving this status.

The Faculty of Health Sciences through the medical college continues to impart quality medical education leading to the MBBS degree. It is indeed very encouraging to learn that an increasing number of the medical graduates after receiving advanced training from abroad are returning to the country, many of whom I was informed are now among the faculty in their alma mater. That is one way of returning what we owe to this country and a big step towards reversing brain drain. I was happy to learn that the University continues its efforts to enhance research in critically defined thematic areas in nursing and teacher education as well as in applied and basic medical sciences. I personally see this as a major step forward in the University’s ongoing efforts towards the development of indigenous leadership for national institutions especially in the medical field, which is extremely crucial for the country.

The services offered by Aga Khan University Hospital have shown a significant increase in recent years; I remember that last year a dedicated building for cardiac services was inaugurated by His Highness and I am delighted to learn that two to three open heart surgeries are now being performed daily with internationally comparable standards at a cost which is six per cent of that incurred on a similar service in north America or Europe.

I am also pleased to know about the patient welfare programme through which the University is offering access to specialized services of the University Hospital in both inpatient and outpatient settings to those who cannot afford. The total amount, disbursed through this programme, has increased to Rs 146 million this year. This support, I am told is in addition to what is being provided to the patients through zakat funds. It is indeed a commendable achievement.

Teacher competence and skills have a pivotal role in improving the quality and efficiency of education systems for which pre-service and in-service training programmes are required. Aga Khan University through its Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) is making a significant contribution in this sphere.

It is very refreshing to see the developments on campus – a number of capital projects, I see, have been completed during the last few years. This is possible only if an institution enjoys the trust of its donors which include a diversified base. The upcoming oncology services building on this very campus is an example of confidence which the corporate sector and members of various communities have demonstrated through their generous support.

The sports and rehabilitation centre which I can see from here is also a magnificent gift of the youth of the world whose contributions were matched by a donation from His Highness the Aga Khan.  This is an example of a unique partnership that will encourage similar initiatives by the University.

In the end, I reiterate my felicitations to the young graduates. Remember you are now going to face a world which is full of contradictions and crises, and you have a role to play in this regard. You have to utilise your abilities, apply your knowledge and skills effectively and with continued dedication, so that your contributions to the society become meaningful and with impact. Your parents and well wishers deserve a special recognition for their trust in your potential and abilities and bearing with you in the challenging times ahead. You are the future leaders of this country. A lot of hope is being reposed on you. I pray that may the Almighty bless each of you with success.

Once again, congratulations to all the graduates, your families and friends who have joined you today in this wonderful celebration.

Thank you.

Pakistan paindabad.