University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) has won Science and Technology Award 2012 by Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for its contribution to the field of science and technology.
Vice Chancellor UAF, Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan informed the journalists that the award given to UAF consists of a cash award of $100,000, a trophy and a commendation certificate which will be presented to the representatives of UAF by the chairman IDB Board of Governors at a special ceremony to be held on 37th IDB Board of Governors meeting in Khartoum (Sudan) scheduled for April 3-4, 2012.
He said that the IDB would bear the travelling, boarding and lodging expenses of the university representative who will visit Khartoum to receive the prize. Dr Khan said that UAF ranks 2nd in the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and 3rd in Pakistan according to Academic Ranking of the Universities by Higher Education Commission (HEC). UAF has won 8 Presidential, 4 HEC (Best Teachers) Awards, 5 Pakistan Academy of Sciences Awards and 4 International Awads.
He further said that under the Internship Programme, it has been made mandatory for the students of B.Sc (Hons) in agriculture and other faculties to spend one full Semester at farms/research institutions so as to become conversant with the problems of farmers. He added that the induction of graduating students in Crop Maximisation Campaigns of the Punjab government has become a regular feature of the university.
Dr Khan said that Rs 2078.79 million out of development funds were spent to add 15 new faculties in the university which include, Day Care Centre, Students Counselling Centre, five new Students Hostels at PARS, Women Complex and Health Centre, 120 Houses for employees, six green houses, three video conferencing halls, post harvest teaching and training centre, exhibition centre, agriculture Museum, Business Incubation Centre, three basketball courts and 2 cricket grounds. Dr Khan said that the university has spent Rs 4200 million for the accomplishment of various research projects during the last 8 years.