From 1947 to 1951 the University functioned solely as an examining body. However, after its relocation in Hyderabad in 1951, it started functioning as a teaching university in pursuit of fulfilment of its charter and mission to disseminate knowledge; the first teaching department, namely, Department of Education, raised to the status of Faculty of Education later, was started in view of the great dearth of trained teachers in the country.
The departments of basic Science disciplines as well as other departments on humanities side were added by mid fifties.
The University of Sindh, the second oldest University of the country, was constituted under the University of Sindh Act. No XVII of 1947 passed by the Legislative Assembly of Sindh. The Act was subsequently revised and modified in 1961 and later. The Act of 1972 under which the University is presently functioning provided for greater autonomy and representation of teachers.
The development of the present Campus at Jamshoro, about 15 kilometer from Hyderabad on the right bank of River Indus now designated as Allama I.I. Kazi Campus, was started in late fifties. Most of the teaching departments under the Faculty of Science were shifted to the new campus in 1961, with departments under Arts & Humanities following suite in 1970.
The academic march forward continued with the gradual addition of other teaching departments and now there are 43 full-fledged teaching institutes/centres/departments functioning under various academic Faculties. Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering and Centre for Environmental Sciences are the latest addition. There are presently 4 Law Colleges and 74 Degree and Post Graduate Colleges (including 16 Private Colleges) affiliated to the University.
PROGRAMS OF STUDIES:
Academic Faculties of the University impart teaching leading to the Bachelor (Honours) and Master degrees and provide research guidance for the M.Phil and Ph.D. programs. The teaching and research under the Faculties of Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, Education, Islamic Studies, Commerce & Business Administration is directly imparted by the University.
Each Faculty works under the Dean, appointed by the Chancellor for a term of 3 years. The University teaching departments, institutes and centres offer programs leading to the award of 3- year Bachelor's (Honours) degree in various general and basic disciplines on Humanities side while 4- year Bachelor degree is offered under the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The degrees have been redesignated accordingly indicating discipline eg for Computer Science BC (CS) and Information Technology BS(IT) etc.
The Masters' degree programs are of 1- year duration after Honours and of 2 -year duration after Bachelor (Pass) degrees.
The 2- year Bachelor's (Pass) degree programs are conducted through various affiliated Degree Colleges within the jurisdiction of the University. The teaching under the Faculty of Law is conducted through the affiliated professional Law colleges.
Degree programs in the Evening shift introduced since 2002 include Masters degrees in English and Information Technology- related disciplines such as E-commerce and Multimedia Technology.
Many teaching departments under various Faculties of the University also offer Postgraduate 1 year Diploma as well as short term Certificate programs. Some of the degree colleges in private sector and affiliated to the University, also offer 3-year, Hons. & Master's programs.
JAMSHORO AT A GLANCE:
Jamshoro, the site of largest University residential campus in the country, situated about 18 kames. from Hyderabad on the right bank of River Indus, was a rather desolate hilly track until 1955 when it was selected for the establishment of Sindh University Campus. The site was selected to be a University township away from the humdrum of Hyderabad city which lacked room to meet the ambitious expansion programs of the University.
Interestingly, Jamshoro is virtually the gate-way to the Indus Valley, now world famous for its civilisation and rich cultural heritage. The Arnica Fort is located 40 km. to the north of the campus, in the northward continuation of the same hilly track which become Laki Ranges, merging with the Khirthars northwards.
Amri, an important archeological site, lies about 15 kames. further north. Sehwan, a well known township lies 25 km. to the north of Amri. Mancher Lake the largest fresh water lake in the region, is situated to the west north west of Sehwan. Travelling about 150 kames. north through the Indus plains brings one to the site of Moen-jo-Daro, the most important archeological discovery of the Valley.
The development programs initiated in 1959 have gradually though slowly borne fruit. Though still in progress, over the years about 20 teaching blocks, housing 39 institutes departments and centers have been constructed. Five halls of students residence provide accommodation for about 1800 students. A beautiful pavilion-the Hyder Bux Jatoi Pavilion has been constructed to provide indoor games facility, track for athletics and sports grounds. Fatima Jinah Gymnasium provides games and sports facility exclusively for girls. The Institute of Sindhiology building, depicting the cultural heritage of Sindh, adores the entrance to the campus from the Highway.
The imposing central library building, named after Late Allama I. I.Kazi, the first Vice-chancellor of the University at Hyderabad, who conceptualised this campus, serves as a land mark even from a distance.The campus itself has been named as Allama I.I. Kazi Campus as a tribute to the great scholar and visionary.
The residential Colony for the faculty and staff of the University provides on campus residence to about one third of the employees. Plans are in hand to expaned the colony and provide accommodation at the campus to 200 more employees.
The tree lined roads and greenery developed at the campus has completely transformed the site. The location of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, sharing the site with the Sindh University and the Liaquat Medical College & Hospital complex in the neighbourhood, has gone a long way in this transformation to a University township.
The University, because of its easy accessibility, thanks to the construction of Super Highway and Hyderabad Bypass, being about 150 kames. from Karachi and 18 kames. from Hyderabad, has been able to host a number of International Conferences, Symposia and Seminars on Science & Education and on specialised scientific themes. Intervarsity sports competitions and annual sports meets have become regular features. The museum and various art galleries of the Institute of Sindhology attract a large number of visitors.