University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has signed two agreements of co-operation with University of California Davais (UCD), USA for collaborating in teaching, training, research and development in agricultural sciences. This was revealed during a three-way videoconference between UCD, UAF and Higher Education Commission (HEC) here at Video Conference Hall of UAF on Tuesday night.
Alumni of UCD from all over Pakistan, including Syed Fakhar Imam (Ex Speaker National Assembly), Dr Dawood Ahmad Khan, Dr Sardar Riaz Khan, and Dr Muhammad Shafiq Chaduhary (retired professors of the university), Professor Dr Asif Ali Khan, Dr Irfan Afzal and Muhammad Ajmal Khan (UAF), Rao Saif-ur-Rehman (CEO Millitex) and Malik Arshad (member Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce) were present on the occasion.
Professor Dr Iqrar A Khan congratulated the Chancellor and team from UCD on the centenary of the university and the excellence achieved during the 100 years. He also appreciated the services of the Chancellor Vanderhoef for the UCD and facilitating the agreement of co-operation between UCD and UAF. Professor Iqrar A. Khan highlighted that the UAF has an endowment of 700 hardworking faculty, 11000 energetic students, substantial lab facilities and extensive field facilities for research and development in agricultural sciences.
He emphasised the need to combine the strengths of the two universities and make rigorous efforts to develop collaborative research projects and get maximum output of these agreements of co-operation. Many graduates of the UAF are serving in UCD and other institutions all around US.
Syed Fakhar Imam, Dr Dawood, Dr Shafiq, Rao Saif-ur-Rehman and other alumni shared their memories of UCD. Syed Fakhar Imam discussed the status of agriculture in Pakistan and avenues of co-operation with UCD for the betterment of the farming community. Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmad briefly overviewed the programmes of the HEC for research, infrastructure and human resource development in the universities and ensured his support for the agreements of co-operation between the two universities.
He also appreciated the efforts of Vice chancellor for making best use of the Video Conferencing facility. Rana Muhammad Afzal, Education Advisor of the Chief Minister Punjab and Rana Zahid Tauseef, District Nazim Faisalabad appreciated the efforts of the UAF for developing international linkages for the uplift of education and research in the country and organising a lively event for the alumni of UCD.
Dean William Lacy, Vice Provost, University Outreach and International Programmes, Dean James Hill and Chancellor Vanderhoef thanked and appreciated the efforts of the Professor Iqrar A Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF for organising a meeting of the UCD alumni and reinforced their commitment to extend their co-operation to promote and facilitate collaboration with UAF for meaningful outputs in teaching, training, research and development in agricultural sciences.
They invited the Vice Chancellor to visit UCD on his next trip to US. Syed Fakhar Imam and other alumni of UCD thanked the vice chancellor for making wonderful arrangements for their meeting at UAF. Member University Syndicate, Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan (MPA and Education Advisor of CM Punjab) and Rana Zahid Tauseef District Nazim Faisalabad also participated.
Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor and Deans and directors of the UAF accompanied the UCD alumni to the event. Sitting in Islamabad, Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmad (member HEC) also participated in the videoconference and telephonic communication with Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef.
Professor Dr Iqrar A. Khan Vice Chancellor UAF and Dr Mukhtar Ahmad are alumni of the Riverside campus of the University of California. Dr William Lacy, Vice Provost, University Outreach and International Programs, Dean James E. Hill, Dr Hector Cuevas, Director Outreach, Recruitment and Retention, Professor Luca Comai, Dr Imran Khan, Dr Akhtar Khan, Dr Sajid Hussain, Dr M Aslam, Rashid Ahmad and Bashir Choudry participated in the video conference from Davis (US).