RAWALPINDI, April 18: The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed a fellowship programme under which the bank will provide a $250,000 grant to the university.

The grant will help Nust benefit from the work of Muslim scientists of Central Asian states and other technologically advanced countries such as US, UK, France, Germany etc.

In this regard a signing ceremony was held at Nust headquarters on Friday in the presence of an IDB team, headed by the bank president, Ahmad Mohammad Ali.

Nust rector Lt-Gen Syed Shujaat Hussain, welcoming the IDB team, said it was because of the bank’s support that the university had been able to achieve a certain level of recognition in professional development, but, still, there was a long way ahead. The new Nust campus at Islamabad is yet another milestone that will be achieved through IDB support.

The IDB president appreciated Pakistan for having a great institution like Nust. He said Muslim world was facing a great challenge because of its backwardness in science and technology.

He wished Nust to be among the top 10 universities of Asia. “Together we can work better for higher achievements. Today’s signing ceremony is a recognition and appreciation of what Pakistan is doing for Muslim world,” he said.

Earlier, Nust pro-rector Rear Admiral Mushtaq highlighted the need for research and development culture in the country. He said the university was making a significant contribution to the fields of emerging technologies with the IDB support through upgradation of research and development programmes and establishment of new institutes.

The IDB president acknowledged the university’s efforts in science and technology and expressed his confidence in Nust becoming a prime institution of its kind in the Muslim world.

Higher Education Commission chairman Prof (Dr) Attaur Rehman and other high-ranking government officials were also present on the occasion.