ISLAMABAD, Feb 14: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will set up a centralized science instrumentation centre at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, at a cost of Rs35 million.

The project was approved at the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) meeting held recently.

The project, to be completed in two years, has been launched to provide some basic updated equipment for multiple common use of all the science and technology departments of the university for advanced and specialized research.

The centralized instrumentation centre would have facilities for specialized research in the subjects of botany, chemistry, microbiology, physics and electronics etc. The library facilities will also be strengthened through provision of latest books and journals.

Realizing the importance of laboratory for research and education quality, the HEC has launched projects to upgrade, strengthen and modernize laboratories and facilities at a number of public sector universities.

Shah Abdul Latif University is the premier institution of upper Sindh. The university has over 4,000 regular students in various programmes. There are 2,500 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate student.

Research plays a very important role in scientific discoveries, in exploitation of natural resources etc. Sophisticated, modernized laboratories are extremely important for high quality research activities. But in most of the public sector universities such facilities are minimal. Mostly old and out dated equipment is available in laboratories which is adversely affecting the quality of research done at these institution.

On the availability of the proposed equipment both the students and staff will get a chance of proper research on the problems faced by the nation. The teachers will be in a better position to help industrial sector for various consultancy services.

By enhancing accessibility of students and faculty to sophisticate equipment for research, the project will contribute towards improvement of education standard and research, and advancement of science and technology in the country.