Dr Mary Bane Lackie, Chief of Party USAID funded Higher Education Commission- Financial Aid Development Programme (HEC-FAD) said that a Capital campaign would be launched under HEC-FAD programme in order to strengthen the Higher Education Programme in an Institute of Higher learning in Pakistan.
She was addressing the Meeting of Deans & Directors at New Syndicate Hall of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) here on Thursday. Dr Mary added that this sort of Capital Campaign had been successfully persuaded in America where 23 Universities were receiving more than 100 million US$ from donors. She was of the view that these donations would be extended under USAID program in the name of HEC-FAD Capital Campaign.
Dr Mary maintained that top 1% donors of United States were contributing 50% total amount of donations whereas top 10% donors were contributing 90% of total donations as well Dr Mary lauded the infrastructure and initiatives of UAF as a premier agricultural seat of learning in the Sub-Continent.
Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan Vice Chancellor UAF while giving briefing to Dr Mary highlighted the salient features of University achievements and said that as a Pioneering Agricultural Institution UAF had been performing for the Green Revolution as well as Poultry, Cotton, Maize, Sugarcane and Wheat & Rice breakthroughs in the Country. He reiterated that UAF is strong Institution for proposed HEC-FAD Capital Campaign, which is likely to be launched soon.
Dr Iqrar said that there were 6 Agricultural Universities in which 1400 Faculty members were serving for education & research, out of them 700 belong to UAF. He added that University of Agriculture, Faisalabad has produced 48000 graduates so far. He maintained that in 1961 total number of enrolled students was 897, in 2000 it increased as 5539 and by the end of 2010 it has crossed the highest limit 11745 respectively.
He told that during last 10 years the research publications of University researchers have been increased from 566 to 969 by the end of last year. Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan also highlighted the community building, Technology Transfer and internationalisation initiatives. Brigadier (R) Javed Anwaar also presented the outlines of Financial Aid programs being carried out under Financial Aid Directorate and said that 341 students from Flood Affected Areas were provided Financial Assistance on priority basis.