Murad urges universities to prioritise quality education, research

Presiding over a consultative meeting on Thursday with university representatives and academics, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stressed the importance of universities prioritising quality education, advanced training and impactful research.

Officials said the CM urged the academic institutions to guide the government on pressing social issues in order to effectively address them.

"We have excellent universities across various fields—medical, agricultural, engineering, and general studies—each of which is a valuable asset,” Shah said, adding that these institutions must work towards the greater good of education, society and economic growth.

The meeting was held at the CM House and attended by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Universities and Boards Minister Mohammad Ali Malkani, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and other senior officials, along with vice chancellors from various universities.

The CM underscored the crucial role academic research played in generating new knowledge and solving social and economic challenges. He encouraged universities, particularly medical institutions, to focus their research on common diseases, psychological issues and pandemics. The findings, he said, should be used to guide government policy and interventions.

He said that in today’s technological era, all universities must adopt the latest technology for administering examinations. While some institutions have already implemented digital exam systems, he urged those that have not yet transitioned to do so promptly.

He also directed the universities and boards department to guide examination boards to prepare proposals, recommendations and phases for conducting digital examinations.

He called on agricultural universities to assist the government in developing seeds that required less water but yielded higher productivity. He also requested similar research in the fields of livestock and fisheries.

Shah encouraged the general universities to enhance their academic programmes and increase research efforts in science and technology. He also expressed concern over the growing intolerance in society, attributing it to various underlying causes.

“Our academics, writers, and poets should play their role in fostering a spirit of humanity through their work,” he said and added that their writings should serve as a source of guidance, particularly for the youth, helping them nurture values of tolerance and empathy.

The CM asked the vice chancellors to submit their recommendations, ensuring that the government could provide necessary support to further the universities’ missions.