RAWALPINDI, April 30: Punjab Governor Lt-Gen (retired) Khalid Maqbool has said the education sector reforms have started yielding results as universities are now producing quality researchers, scholars and scientists to lead the country to progress and prosperity.

He was addressing the 8th convocation of the University of Arid Agriculture (UAA) here on Monday.

The governor said revolutionary changes had been witnessed in the past few years in the field of education, adding that the country was heading in the right direction

He was of the view that the university environment had changed totally and students now were not taking interest in trivial matters, rather they wanted to acquire higher education. “This is reflective of a better future,” the governor added.

Mr Maqbool said the Punjab government had opened veterinary institutions and colleges in several cities, adding that the agriculture sub-campuses were also set up in various universities in the province.

Lauding the role of the UAA, he said enrolment in the university had doubled in last six years, adding that development budget of the university would be Rs800 million next year. The governor said the university had only 26 PhD teachers six years ago as compared to 52 at present.

Speaking on the occasion, UAA Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Mehmood elaborated the goals and achievements of the university. He said the UAA had been making all-round progress be it services and academics, infrastructure or facilities.

He said the university had also established a placement bureau to facilitate students looking for appropriate job opportunities.

Mr Mehmood said the university had also developed a comprehensive scholarship scheme to help the needy talented students to continue their studies, adding that Rs4.5 million had been disbursed so far under the scheme.

He said the university had taken the possession of 1,952 kanals near Mandra to launch new university projects.

Later, the governor distributed medals and certificates among the students.

As many as 1,000, who graduated in 2006, were awarded degrees during the convocation. Besides, 38 students different disciplines were decorated with gold, silver and bronze medals for showing excellent performance during their academic career.—APP