Public Universities Must Focus on Their Education Faculties: Sardar Ali Shah
Karachi Web Desk, January 4, 2025 – Sindh’s Minister for Education and Mineral Development, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, emphasized the role of universities in producing quality graduates in the field of education. Speaking as the chief guest at the second convocation ceremony of the Government Elementary College of Education (GECE), Hussainabad, organized by Durbeen, the minister highlighted the importance of training competent teachers for a brighter future.
“Our universities must ensure they provide the system with well-trained teachers because a great teacher guarantees a better tomorrow,” he said. The event was attended by notable personalities, including Karachi University’s Vice-Chancellor, Shehzad Roy (President of Zindagi Trust), Khalid Mahmood, Nazim Haji, Muhammad Ali Tabba, faculty members, students, and their families.
At the convocation, 28 students graduated from GECE Hussainabad after completing a four-year education program. Minister Sardar Ali Shah acknowledged the significance of collaborative efforts in resolving societal issues and underscored the joint mission of GECE Hussainabad and Durbeen to nurture exceptional educators. He also announced the launch of Sindh’s first-ever Teachers Licensing Policy and various teacher training programs initiated by the provincial government.
The minister called on public universities to improve the quality of their education faculties, expressing concerns about the lack of skilled graduates being produced in this critical field.
Durbeen CEO Salma Alam, in her address, described teachers as agents of national transformation. She celebrated the achievements of the GECE-Durbeen partnership, noting the exceptional performance of GECE graduates in Sindh’s inaugural teacher licensing exam. “Teachers are the backbone of any nation. You are not just educators but architects of social change in Pakistan,” she told the graduates.
This year’s convocation marked a significant milestone for GECE Hussainabad, with its first graduating cohort now officially licensed as teachers. Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University, Dr. Khalid Iraqi, congratulated the graduates and stressed the importance of learning from one another to create a robust educational system.
It was also announced that GECE, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, is preparing to launch Pakistan’s first Master’s program in Teacher Education. The program, set to commence in 2024, aims to elevate teaching standards across the country.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates taking an oath to guide their students with dedication and reaffirming their commitment to being exemplary educators. This convocation stands as a testament to GECE Hussainabad’s efforts in shaping the future of education in Pakistan.
