KARACHI: The 26th convocation of the University of Karachi saw 1,866 students receiving their degrees at the Valika Ground on the campus here on Saturday evening.

The successful recipients, including 364 bachelor and 714 master of arts, science and business, 145 PhDs and 16 MPhils, looking proud and smart, in their gowns and caps with the tassels on the left turned their caps to bring the tassels to the right after receiving their degrees.

Earlier, the spectacular academic procession marched into the convocation arena led by the university registrar Dr Moazzam Ali Khan and followed by professors, department heads, vice chancellor and pro chancellor with the chancellor bringing up the rear.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Qaiser said that he was proud to be presenting degrees at the convocation which was his fourth as vice chancellor of the university.

“This university has an important place among the higher education institutions of the country with nine faculties offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, M.Phil, PhD and other degrees and diploma programmes,” he said.

About the improvements they were looking to bring to the university, the vice chancellor said that many students looked forward to getting jobs soon after having a degree in their hands for which they could also apply for teaching positions at the university.

“Our selection boards have not been the best but I’m glad to share today that we are now in the process of revamping them in order to bring fresh blood into this esteemed institution of learning and see our very own boys and girls in new roles in the positions of teaching that they deserve,” he assured.

About their finances, he said that there were challenges, of course. “But that has not stopped us from offering scholarships along with any kind of financial help that may be needed by deserving students who may have run into difficulties.”

Pro chancellor of the university, Sindh Senior Minister for Education and Literacy Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, congratulated the students and teachers. “This university carries importance not just in Pakistan but internationally, too,” he said, adding that he himself would remain forever grateful for his own education to the University of Karachi.

“The students passing out,” he said, “are the leaders of tomorrow. And who better than University of Karachi’s alumnus to come forward to give back to the institute responsible for making them what they are,” he added.

“Imagine how much this university, spread over 1,150 acres with 35,000 students, could benefit from the support of so many students passing out from here every year? This is a 65-year-old university after all. One should never forget one’s beginnings. I for one will never forget my alma mater. I have and will remain indebted to it all my life and so should you,” he said.

“Of course, the government and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan are also there for any kind of monetary help the university needed,” he said. “Even if we spend billions on education, we are only helping our country prosper,” he said before announcing one month’s salary as a bonus for the university staff.

Finally, the minister suggested that the quota system in admissions should be done away with. “Admissions should be given through open merit. It will only make the university better,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2016