AIOU seeks land for regional campus in Chitral
CHITRAL,Nov 4: Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad (AIOU) Professor Dr. Nazir Ahmad Sangi during his five-day visit to Chitral has not been able to get the district administration agree on allotting a piece of land for the construction of a regional campus in the valley. [caption id="attachment_5425" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The AIOU VC in Kalash valley.--GH Farooqui"][/caption] The main objective of his visit is was to get the land and in this regard, he met the district coordination officer and proposed that if the district administration provided them a piece of land they would construct the building at a cost of 100 million rupees. The VC said the university may also introduce different subjects for the students of Chitral like on tourism, handicraft, livestock etc. He said they had already made some changes to the Islamiat syllabus making in order to help the students in coping modern-day challenges. Dr Sangi said that if a regional campus was established in Chitral, it would greatly help the local students. We will also facilitate the students in video conferences, workshops, training etc. And he said he would initially allocate 100 million rupees for this purpose. Despite all offers and pleading, the meeting could not decide the allocation of land for the campus. It was decided that the Chief Secretary KPK would be approached for taking a final decision in this regard. As usual with other visitors to Chitral, the vice chancellor also did not miss the opportunity to visit the Kalash valley. During his visit to Bumburate, he met students from different schools there. He assured them for appointing a separate regional coordinator for Kalash valleys to facilitate students of three valleys regarding providing them admission forms, date sheet and other information. He also stressed upon the local people to provide them land for construction of a study center of AIOU in the valley. [caption id="attachment_5429" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A woman welcomes Dr Sangi in Bumburate."][/caption] During his visit to Kalasha Dur (Museum) he discussed different issues with Museum In-charge Akram Hussain and emphasized them to must preserve their centuries old culture. He was warmly welcomed by both Muslim and Kalash people on arrival to the valley. An education conference was held at Commerce college hall where Vice chancellor was chief guest and the conference was presided over by Sahibuddin Principal of the college. A large number ofpeople were also present to welcome the guest, who was accompanied by officials of the education departmnet and senior teachers from Chitral. –GH Farooqui]]>
Agree with Wasim. Cheating in exams is now considered a normal and acceptable practice in our education system, right from the primary level. What can you expect from a nation whose foundations are laid on cheating. No wonder these ‘educated’ people when later on assume responsible positions in the society perform as they are performing these days (save noble exceptions). It is imperative that subject of ‘character building’ and ‘moral science’ be introduced in our education system and be given the highest weightage.
The AIOU should also make a special curriculum to get rid of cheating and booty mafia. Its examination system is unique of its kind and has no comparison with any other institution. The AIOU graduates though hold degrees in almost all the fields, most of them prefer to teach as it is the most easiest profession in Chitral. The AIOU qualified teachers, who could be seen acting like a Cambridge graduates, know very well how to get through the examination as this is part of their training, which is cheating. Some of AIOU graduates are associated with different NGOs like Hashoo Foundation, and they can give you the impression as they have recently landed with a degree from LUMS, Lahore. The AIOU has eroded the very concept of education as cheating has become their motto. The regional director of AIOU and our friend Haji Yar Khan should also learn from EDO Siraj Ahmad who has made countless efforts to eradicate the menace of cheating. And a little effort from the above mentioned elite could help in streamlining the system which is possible only if the cancer of cheating is cured once and for ever.