HYDERABAD:Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah visited Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, and inaugurated a Girls’ hostel accommodatiing 75 female students.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary expressed his pleasure to visit Mehran University and improvements esnsurd.
Chief Secretary said that there was a time when the environment here was so challenging that few were willing to come, and the number of female students was negligible however, a distinct transformation is now evident in the atmosphere and development of Jamshoro.
The Chief Secretary remarked that universities abroad do not grapple with financial crises, instead, their focus remains on education, research, and training.
He quoted his visit to Harvard University, where students and resaerchers were being asked to jon University and avail all facilities free of cost even students could borrow loan on soft conditions.
He assured Vice-Chancellors that they do not worry about pension funds, as the government is formulating a plan for a permanent resolution to this issue.
Chief Secretary stated that higher education institutions in developed nations do not face shortages of water, solar energy, electricity, or gas.
We, too, must develop our institutions and ensure our children receive their education within the country, when children go abroad for studies, it entails not only a financial burden but also emotional and psychological challenges.
He stated that, in collaboration with the Secretary of Universities and Boards, the Vice-Chancellor of Mehran University, and the Sindh government’s Planning Department, he would review the demands presented by the university, and well-considered decisions would be made to fulfill them.
He noted that education, water, and health are among the Sindh government’s top priorities.
The Chief Secretary of Sindh further remarked that unemployed youth from the region face difficulties in securing jobs abroad in fields such as electrical work, driving, plumbing, and other technical trades; therefore, it is essential to take measures to provide these young people with local training, certifications, and licenses.
He described Mehran University’s proposal as feasible. Mentioning that the government is working on the restoration of Manchar Lake, he assured the Vice-Chancellor that he would make every effort to ensure the completion of the critical water supply pipeline project for Mehran University.
He observed that Mehran University is a major educational institution capable of playing a significant role regarding climate change, floods, the restoration of Manchar Lake, and the improvement, rehabilitation, and reform of projects like the RBOD and LBOD. Commending the performance and efforts of the Mehran University Vice-Chancellor, he noted that the latter would have another four years of leadership to conceptualize, plan, and execute work. He added that a visit to universities like Harvard and MIT reveals that even their corridors resemble modern laboratories.
On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Mehran University, Professor Dr. Taha Hussain Ali, delivered a detailed presentation regarding the ongoing academic and developmental activities at the university.
Speaking on the matter, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the university receives its water supply from the KB Feeder, located five kilometers away, a source that presents several supply-related challenges.
There is a concern that the current water volume will prove insufficient given the growing student population and efforts to make the campus lush and green; therefore, it is essential to approve a project for a dedicated water supply pipeline for Mehran University.
He further stated that pension payments impose a significant financial burden on the university, urging the Sindh government to provide financial assistance for the establishment of a pension endowment fund-similar to the support the government extends to other public universities in the province.
The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that the Jamshoro campus has been subsidizing the expenses of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Campus in Khairpur Mirs since 2016. Professor Dr. Taha Hussain Ali added that efforts are underway to establish a center for Artificial Intelligence and Cyber security at Mehran University, with plans to launch it soon.
He emphasized that the university strives to place students at the core of all its activities; students collaborate with industrial organizations and forums, and no student is awarded a degree without first completing an internship at an industrial firm or company.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that Mehran University is currently operating on solar energy; however, the solar power project requires further expansion to enable the university to transition entirely to solar power.
He noted that eco-friendly measures are prioritized in all university activities. He requested the Chief Secretary of Sindh to provide ten solar-powered shuttle buses for student transportation within the campus. He further added that a Mehran University Technology Park would be established under a public-private partnership.
The university intends to set up a ‘People’s Youth Skill Improvement Center’ in the Hyderabad SITE area, where Mehran University owns land; government support is required for this initiative to offer courses in fields such as electrical work, solar panel technology, AutoCAD, mobile phone repair, mechanical work, plumbing, and other technical trades.