LAHORE, Feb 21: Governor Khalid Maqbool said on Wednesday that the education being imparted in higher education institutions must fulfil the needs of society as well as the ever-growing industry.

Speaking at the 57th convocation of the Forman Christian College (FCC), the governor said institutions must churn out well-groomed graduates to sustain the development being taken place in almost every sector. He said that institutions must inculcate moral values in students to develop a tolerant society.

The governor said the government had planned to impart good quality education from Madaris and primary level to university level and the Higher Education Commission was investing huge funds to promote learning standards in institutions.

“The government has brought about positive changes in the education sector and more universities and their sub-campuses are being set up in all big cities,” he said.

Maqbool also praised the FCC for imparting good quality education by revising curricula, hiring trained teachers and launching honours courses. He said that he also came to know that the FCC administration had fired incompetent teachers.

He said it was good that the FCC administration was raising funds for the college in Pakistan and abroad as well as from its alumni. He assured the university administration that the Punjab government would continue funding the FCC for its development.

Talking to reporters, the governor said the government would continue its education reforms and encouraging students by increasing scholarships for them.

He said the law and order situation was under control in the country and the cold-blooded murder of social welfare minister Zille Huma Usman was a heartrending incident. The governor said Basant was a positive activity and must be held.

Earlier, FCC Rector Prof Dr Peter H Armacost said FCC graduates had in-depth knowledge in their subjects and would help boost Pakistan’s economy. “The FCC is providing a qualified workforce for the development of Pakistan,” he added.

Prof Armacost said the university was working in close collaboration with the Punjab government, varsity’s board of governors, students’ parents and businessmen to make the FCC a best university.

The governor gave medals, rolls of honours, colleges colour and certificates of merit to outstanding students.

Stipends: The District Zakat Committee on Wednesday distributed stipends worth Rs500,000 among the deserving students of Hailey College of Commerce.

The stipends were distributed at a ceremony attended by committee president Bashir Ahmad, PML Lahore president Mian Munir and Hailey College principal Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad.