Geology students without field work opportunities

The students Geology at various universities, especially the Punjab Universities (PU), have been missing opportunities of field work in various parts of the NWFP because of the prevailing instability in the country.
Nonetheless, cuts in grants to institutes of higher learning by the federal government is said to be another factor behind "limited" field work, which is undoubtedly the backbone of geological research.The students believe that the curtailment in connection with duration and destination of field work is badly affecting the standard of education.
Unlike past, the universities now have been imposing more and more restrictions in connection with field visits which, according to the students and teachers, have marred the real spirit of the research based program.According to a senior faculty member, who wished to remain anonymous, the PU department of geology is the oldest seat of geological learning in the country which produced many eminent geologists.He said in geology the field work was considered a natural lab work, therefore, students in the applied courses were sent to 50 days guided excursion as a whole during 3 years BSc and for 90 days for theses work. He further said students were also paid daily allowance for it in the past, but, He added, the things had changed.

First Aga Khan University Graduation in Uganda

At a ceremony held in Kampala, Uganda, 57 Ugandan students of Aga Khan University (AKU) received their degrees, diplomas and certificates at the University's first graduation ceremony outside Pakistan. Chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private, international University, AKU launched programmes of Advanced Nursing Studies and teacher education in Uganda in 2001. Uganda's Minister in Charge of the Presidency, Honourable Professor Gilbert Bukenya, the chief guest at the ceremony, said, "Uganda was fortunate to be a partner of Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan University in the development of its human resources," and offered every support for future programmes of AKU. Addressing the graduates and guests, Professor Bukenya said this graduation was an important milestone in the government's efforts to upgrade the quality of education and health care in Uganda. He said, "We are delighted that AKU has established its academic programmes in Uganda. The future growth of our country is strongly linked to the development of our human resources. Uganda needs educated, committed and caring nurses and teachers to ensure healthy bodies and healthy minds in all our citizens."

Aga Khan University signs agreement to further health and education development in Syria

The Ministries of Health and Higher Education of the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University (AKU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding tThe memorandum was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister in Damascus and witnessed by Syrian Prime Minister, His Excellency Muhammad Naji Al-Otri and His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Chancellor of the Aga Khan University. He is in Syria on a 6-day official visit. The memorandum, which provides a framework for cooperation in nursing education and hospital quality assurance, was signed by Dr. Maher Al-Husami, Minister of Health, Dr. Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education and Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of AKU, witnessed by Mr. Mohamed Seifo, AKDN Representative in Syria.