Punjab Education Minister announces Dubai trip for high achievers

LAHORE: The Minister of Education for Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat, revealed an initiative that will reward high achieving students with a trip to Dubai.

During a speech at Punjab University convocation, the Punjab education minister announced that students who achieved high academic performance will be eligible for the trip to Dubai, which will be personally funded.

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The education minister talked abut the importance of developing degree programmes that met the needs of the job market. He stated that graduates should not need personal connections to secure employment.

The provincial minister outlined plans to introduce specialised academic programmes that are in high demand, inducing the creation of dedicated institutions focused on information technology (IT).

Sikandar Hayat criticised educational institutions for concentrating on trivial matters, such as dress codes and seating arrangements, rather than advancing relevant and modern academic offerings.

He stated that Punjab University should prioritise innovation and academic achievements above all.

The educational minister also announced that the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would distribute 40,000 laptops to students. He also revealed that the Punjab CM plans to launch scholarship programmes for 30,000 students that will be aimed at improving access to higher education.

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Sikandar Hayt mentioned that proper qualifications were necessary for university leadership. He stated that financial wealth alone does not qualify people to serve as vice chancellors.

Instead, Hayat argued, effective vice chancellors must posses proper knowledge and expertise.. He commended Dr Muhaamad Ali for successfully raising Quaid-e-Azam University’s global ranking from 600th to 315th.