Indonesian language course at AIOU

The second batch of faculty from the Darunnajah Islamic Institute in Jakarta began a one month Arabic and English language proficiency course at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Thursday.

The eight faculty members are being taught under a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2016.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ziaul Qayyum welcomed the visiting academics and said the university was proud to entertain international students, particularly those from the brotherly country of Indonesia.

He added that he hoped the mutual learning activity would further improve bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the educational sector.

Highlighting the importance of communication skills and learning common languages in today’s diversified world, Dr Qayyum said AIOU would fulfil its responsibility to share its academic knowledge and experience as well as the infrastructural network with international educational institutions for mutual benefit.

The course’s inaugural ceremony was also addressed by university registrar Dr Mohammad Zaigham Qadeer, Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies Dean Dr Shah Mohyuddin Hashmi, Department of English Chairman Dr Umar Farooq and International Collaboration and Exchange Director Dr Zahid Majeed.

They spoke about the growing cooperation between the AIOU and friendly countries in the higher education sector.

Computerised IELTS launched

The British Council in Pakistan has decided to introduced the computerised International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at test centres in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad from Feb 24.

According to a statement the computerised test will not replace the paper test, but will offer a choice in delivery as well as greater availability.

The statement said test-takers can now choose the test that works best for them and get their results faster. Typically IELTS results are available between five to seven days after the test has been completed.

The rest content, timing and structure remain the same in both options, and the speaking portion will be carried out face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner.

British Council Country Director Pakistan Rosemary Hilhorst stated: “I am delighted to announce the launch of computer-delivered IELTS. After increasing our network of IELTS test centres to 14 cities across Pakistan last year, this is yet another initiative to meet growing demand.”

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2019