SARGODHA: The Founder and Chairman of Akhuwat Foundation, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, has called on the University of Sargodha (UoS) to spearhead initiatives aimed at transforming rural economies through the development of model villages. During a special meeting at the university campus, Dr. Saqib emphasized the potential role of universities in connecting education, research, and innovation with community development to foster economic empowerment.
According to University of Sargodha, Dr. Saqib, who was accompanied by former federal secretary Muhammad Saleem Ahmad Ranjha and other university officials, discussed the importance of sustainable national development through youth empowerment. He advocated for productive economic activities that address both individual and community needs, promoting entrepreneurship and local employment opportunities as key components of community development.
Dr. Saqib highlighted the necessity for universities to engage beyond traditional roles and directly address social and economic challenges through research-driven solutions. He acknowledged UoS's commitment to community development and offered Akhuwat Foundation's support for projects aimed at rural upliftment and model village development. Additionally, he stressed the importance of strengthening alumni networks to aid institutional growth and student development.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, during the briefing session, outlined the university's recent advancements in academics, research, governance, and infrastructure. He noted UoS's recognition by the Higher Education Commission with a W-Category ranking and detailed initiatives such as academic audits, departmental reviews, and capacity-building programs to enhance quality standards.
The vice chancellor also highlighted UoS's progress in Open and Distance Learning, a solarisation project, the Business Incubation Centre, and specialized research facilities like the Citrus Research Laboratory and One Health Unit. The Business Incubation Centre has successfully facilitated the registration of 16 companies and established connections with global entrepreneurial networks.
The session concluded with a visit to several key university facilities, including the Business Incubation Centre, Confucius Institute, One Health Unit, UOS TV, and Wazir Agha Library, underscoring UoS's growing national and international recognition and its appeal to foreign students.