ISLAMABAD, Sept 25 (INP): Regional Heads (RDs) of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) at their two-day conference concluded here on Tuesday noted that a number of achievements were made in the recent years.

The conferences, during its deliberations discussed ways an means to consolidate their administrative and academic network for ensuring quality education at all levels.

Various proposals were discussed to strengthen the regional offices, empowering the RDs to handle students' related issues at the local level. It also provided an opportunity to streamline certain matters of administrative and financial nature.

While praising the academic achievements made during the last four-years under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, they said that the University has built itself as a research-based educational institution by producing quality journals and holding a number of international and national conferences for creating and disseminating knowledge in various disciplines.

The conference, presided over by the Vice Chancellor was addressed among others by the University’s Deans Dr Syed Zafar Ilyas, Dr. Mohyuddin Hashmi, Dr Samina Awan, chairman Department of Distance and Non-formal education Dr Muhammad Ajmal and the director regional services Dr Inamullah Sheikh.

The conference was organized by the Directorate of Regional Services.

The participants appreciated the visionary approach and administrative and academic skill of Dr. Shahid Siddiqui that helped to enhance the University’s image and trust among the students. There have been record students’ enrollment in the recent years and the cash-inflow was also well-maintained.

It was noted that the University also achieved highest number of HEC’s funded projects as well as winning indexing agency’s status.

It also stepped up its social responsibilities, serving the cause of marginalized sections of the people, providing free education to disabled persons, prisoners, drop-out girls and transgender group. On the initiative of the VC, Matric-level free education was made available to the students of Baluchistan and Tribal areas.

During this period, special efforts were made to make the University’s 44 regional offices’ role more effective and result-oriented in the educational pursuits. They were strengthened and empowered to serve the students, and to achieve the target of 'Education for All'.

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui in his remarks said he made his humble efforts providing enabling environment to the staff members to deliver best in their respective field. He gave them respect, trust and space to work. He thanked the regional directors for their overwhelming response to his efforts.

INP/AK