LAHORE, Dec 30: Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool has said the government should take effective steps to promote higher education.

Speaking at the 112th convocation of the Punjab University on Monday, he said only by making the best use of the newly emerging disciplines like information technology, geographic information system, molecular biology and environmental sciences, the country could compete with the world in the new millennium.

Governor Maqbool said the syllabi of higher education should be devised according to the criteria followed by the developed countries.

The governor stressed the need for developing close liaison between universities, government and society.

He assured the university managements to provide conducive environment for the promotion of education and research.

He also stressed the need to adopt modern teaching techniques and revision of syllabi on modern lines. The availability of well equipped laboratories and research centres were also required to strengthen the higher education.

The governor asked the students who secured positions in their respective subjects to show the same commitment in practical life so that they could earn good name for the country.

He said the government in its three-year term had taken several steps to improve the higher education sector. Universities were set up in private sector to supplement the efforts of public universities in promoting higher education.

He defended his government’s decision to involve private sector in educational reforms.

He stressed that there was a need to build up a long term and sustainable public-private partnership.

Punjab University vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood presented the welcome address and highlighted achievements of the university.

The governor later presented medals and merit certificates to the position holders in different examinations.

STUDENTS’ CHAT: The participants continued to chat with each other during the speeches of the governor and vice-chancellor.