Federal Minister for Textile Industries, Makhdoom Shahabuddin has urged young textile graduates to utilise their hard earned knowledge to face the challenges and take out textile sector from crisis. Addressing second Convocation of National Textile University (NTU), he expressed satisfaction over the achievements of this Alma mater during last two years.
He particularly appreciated 50% deduction in fees, introduction of new postgraduate programmes and market driven undergraduate programmes and said that other universities should also follow NTU. Congratulating successful graduates, he said, "You are leaving carefree and peaceful environment of university and are entering in harsh world of competition." However, I am confident that you would successfully face the new challenges to earn respectable living for yourself and your family in addition to contributing towards the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
He also appreciated the commitment and dedication of Rector Doctor Niaz Ahmad and assured full co-operation in resolving the problems confronted by the university. Earlier, Rector in his address of welcome explained in detail the achievements and future plans of NTU. He said that NTU has started MSc and PhD programmes this year while 4-year Textile Design & Technology and Fashion Design & Technology have also been started to cater to the needs of local industry.
He said that highly qualified faculty has been hired. There are 13 PhD Teachers at the university at present. The HEC and the Ministry of Defence have also allocated research projects to this university which would help promoting research culture at the campus. He said that NTU also has privilege to organise international conferences and seminars. It would help establish linkages with other international organisations.
About future programmes, the Rector said that the university was planning to increase number of students up to 4,000 by next year. The minister awarded degrees to successful students while position holders were awarded gold and silver medals. Shahid Bashir, Secretary Ministry of Textile Industry, Mian Muhammad Latif Member Board of Governors NTU were also present at the convocation. Later, talking to journalists, the minister said that a meeting of all stakeholders has been convened next week in Islamabad to discuss the problems related to energy.