 The
Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), a lesser-known university
of somewhat medium standards, saw a rapid process of development
and facilitation about four years back when a devoted educationist
and accomplished expert in the fields of administration and management
took over its reins. The university’s present Vice Chancellor
Prof Dr Belal A. Khan’s previous assignments include the Iqra
University, Karachi; Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi and
the University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad.
Armed with a PhD in Public Administration with
a focus on Human Resource Management (HRM), Dr Khan happens to be
one of the few experts in the field of HRM in Pakistan today. IUB
has witnessed dramatic and extra-ordinary growth in the last three-and
half years ever since he assumed the office of the vice-chancellor.
From a dilapidated 2005 appearance, the place now gives the look
of a modern, dynamic, lively institution with academic blocks, green
lawns, modern hostels, a residential colony, farms and orchards,
all contributing to the university’s beautification and up
gradation drive.
“Yes, we have made remarkable progress regarding
academic reforms and development during 2005-2009,” says Dr
Khan. “An academic accountability through faculty performance
evaluation has been initiated, a central marking system has been
introduced, which is so much better than external checking. The
examination system was further upgraded by our computerising it,”
he further adds.
The hallmark of Dr Khan’s academic strategy
is greater research, output and better teaching, which is being
encouraged and rewarded at IUB. The various administrative improvements
include the development of the Campus Management Information System,
made fully operational at each department/section. In order to attract
and retain a competent staff, the university also boasts of a rationalised
reward system.
“In this respect revision of pay scales,
contractual appointments and tenure track system has been introduced.
More than 250 teachers including professors and 20 PhDs have been
recruited to give strength to the academia here, which now numbers
to around 430. Around 74 faculty members are also being sent abroad
on scholarships for higher studies under the Faculty Development
Programme. In a bid to enhance the professional skills of the officers
and supporting staff, training workshops too are being regularly
conducted.
“Besides this, the students have also been
facilitated to seek admissions through a one-window system, which
ensures a smooth, efficient and transparent admission process. The
semester system has been implemented in all departments to keep
pace with the mostdeveloped and model universities of the world,”
Dr Khan proudly informs.
In continuation of his efforts to provide the latest
facilities to the students the IUB has six faculties and 45 departments
with 75 disciplines. In addition, it has four constituent colleges
of which three — of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences, Conventional and Alternative Medicines
and Veterinary & Animal Sciences — were launched during
Dr Khan’s time. The fourth one is the College of Art, Design
and Performing Arts that has given a touch of aesthetics to the
environment.
About the university expenditures, Dr Khan informed:
“There is no paucity of funds right now, rather faster and
timely utilisation of funds is the issue. He further elaborated
that strenuous efforts have been made to motivate the Government
of Punjab and the Higher Education Commission for sanctioning of
grants of about Rs. 3 billion for the university’s 125 developmental
projects.
“Seventy-two developmental projects costing
Rs. 502.351 million have been planned and completed during 2004-08,
while another 39, costing Rs. 2158.911 million, are still at different
stages of execution. Five more important projects worth Rs. 913.493
million have been approved by the provincial government for funding.
In all, 100 projects have been envisioned, planned, funded and completed
out of IUB’s own sources,” he elaborated.
The VC’s farsightedness also prompted him
to embark upon the establishment of the Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar
campuses, which happen to be located at an almost 200km distance
from the main university. Prof Dr Belal A. Khan’s commendable
efforts have been instrumental in addressing the education deprivation
of this region to a great extent. |
