By Hamid Khan Wazir
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) management took some important decisions with particular reference to offering new educational programs in foreign countries, bringing improvements in examinations system, provision of latest educational/instructional material to the students as well as designing new course books and periodic revision of existing syllabi.
The decisions were taken in a joint session of AIOU’s Academic Council, Academic Planning and Development, and Research and Educational Technology Committee (APD/RET), which was held with Professor Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Vice-Chancellor, AIOU in the chair.
The participants of the Academic Council included Deans of various faculties at AIOU, HODs of academic departments as well as external members of some other universities and organizations.
Within the backdrop of COVID-19, the majority of the members participated through online mode in the session.
After extensive deliberations and discussion, the members of the joint session took some important decisions with particular reference to offering new educational programs in foreign countries, bringing improvements in examinations system, provision of latest educational/instructional material to the students as well as designing new course books and periodic revision of existing syllabi.
Moreover, the session also took some fundamental decisions related to the automation process of the university to bring transparency, quality, and efficiency in basic university operations.
During the session, the Controller of Examinations, Registrar, Director Regional Services and the HODs of other academic and servicing departments presented agendas related to their respective departments.
During his address to the members of the joint session, Professor Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum said that AIOU is planning to offer new educational programs in collaboration with educational institutions, in both public and private sectors, of the USA, Canada, and other foreign countries.
He further, said that these programs are aimed at not only enhancing the academic credibility of the country but would also play a pivotal role in revenue generation for the university.
The joint session also approved the offering of M Phil, BS, and certificate level courses of agriculture sciences, public health, and some other disciplines.
Within the backdrop of COVID-19, the session approved the agenda of conducting online examinations of overseas Pakistanis enrolled in the spring 2020 semester.
The joint session ended with a vote of thanks to and from the chair. It is pertinent to mention here that decisions taken in the session would be presented to the Executive Council of AIOU for final approval.
