ISLAMABAD: International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) President Dr Hathal Homoud Al Otaibi on Monday said the university was working to hire more foreign faculty members and launch a scholarship programme for students.

He called for joint efforts to implement the new strategic plan of the IIUI.

He was delivering a presidential speech at a workshop on the preparation of a strategic plan and organogram of the faculty, which was organised by the Quality Assurance Department (QAD).

“We are setting a roadmap for the coming generations. This strategic plan will not only ensure academic excellence but will also be a peg to build the future of youth with best higher education,” he added.

Dr Hathal said: “We are in a dire need to compete with the world while procrastination and unnecessary procedural constraints are the old ways of dealing with tasks. We are keen to revamp the infrastructure such as adding e-office, building new blocks and renovating classrooms.”

He said the university was equally focusing on the welfare, progress and promotions of the officials at all levels, and the recent selection boards and promotions were evidence of that approach.

Highlighting the importance of the performance and initiatives, the IIU president said the university was working to make the Institute of Professional Development an exemplary institute for training.

He added that soon the human resource, IT and quality assurance departments would start training sessions.

Identifying the university achievement within this year, he said the institution had approved its strategic plan and organogram, while its research activities through regular Board of Advanced Studies and Research meetings (BASR) were also being streamlined.

He also mentioned training programmes for officials of the university, adding that the launch of the distance learning portal was another achievement and a milestone for the progress of the university.

He thanked all team members of the committee of the organogram and the strategic plan and hoped that the same practice would be followed at the faculty and department level.

Vice President Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed gave a presentation on quality assurance of postgraduate programmes. He elaborated the vision and mission approved by the university in the new strategic plan.

Dr Mohammad Arif, member of the committee for development and implementation of IIUI strategic plan, gave an overview of the strategic plan (2022-26) and organogram.

Earlier, Dr Rehmat Eahi, the director QAD, gave a briefing on the functions and roadmap of the directorate of Quality Assurance and Development. He also spoke about the achievements and initiatives taken by QAD.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2021