Karachi: The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) and the School of Economics and Social Sciences at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) recently hosted a comprehensive dialogue on the future of undergraduate education at IBA’s main campus. The event gathered prominent educational leaders and scholars from across Pakistan to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing undergraduate education in light of global trends and technological advancements.

According to The Aga Khan University, the dialogue was co-led by Professor Asma Hyder, Dean of SESS at IBA, and Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED. The discussions centered on how universities can adapt their curricula and teaching methods to nurture the creative and idealistic potential of undergraduate students in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Panjwani highlighted the need for education that is critically progressive and responsive to the complexities of the modern era.

The sessions included contributions from Dr. Faisal Bari of LUMS, who debated the balance between skill acquisition and theoretical knowledge, and Dr. Aaron Mulvany of Habib University, who advocated for a breakdown of traditional academic boundaries to favor interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. Dr. Anjum Halai of AKU discussed the benefits and challenges of joint degrees and co-teaching models, while Dr. Aurangzaib Alizai from the University of Balochistan emphasized the importance of teaching inclusivity and respect for diversity.

The event marks the beginning of a series of discussions aimed at reshaping the framework of undergraduate education to better equip students for future challenges. By fostering collaboration among institutions, the initiative seeks to create educational experiences that are both meaningful and adaptable to societal needs.