In just one year, the University of Education (UoE) Lahore has marked a remarkable rise in academic reputation and international recognition. At the heart of this transformation is its Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, who has steered the institution with a clear vision focused on academic excellence, research, innovation, and global collaboration. In this exclusive conversation with Ali Arshad, the Vice Chancellor reflects on his journey so far, shares his priorities for the future, and outlines how UoE is striving to become a hub of quality education and research culture in Pakistan.
Q: Sir, it has been almost a year since you assumed charge as Vice Chancellor of the UoE. How do you see this journey so far?
VC: Alhamdulillah, I feel truly blessed to serve as the Vice Chancellor of this esteemed institution. Over the past year, I have witnessed the University of Education growing rapidly. Our international rankings speak for themselves and reflect that UoE has secured a unique position in a relatively short span of time. This progress is encouraging, but I also realize that significant challenges remain as we move forward.
Q: What are your key priorities as Vice Chancellor?
VC: My vision is clear and revolves around four major priorities:
- Academic Excellence – ensuring quality education across all programs.
- Translational Research – promoting research that brings real-world solutions.
- Internationalization – enhancing global collaborations and partnerships.
- Alumni Engagement – our alumni are our asset, and I want to make them an active part of the university’s growth.
Alongside these, my major focus is on strengthening research, innovation, and commercialization, particularly through ORIC and QEC.
Q: You mentioned research and innovation. Could you elaborate on this focus?
VC: Yes, research is at the heart of any world-class university. At UoE, we are working to create a strong culture of research, innovation, and commercialization. We are developing mechanisms to encourage and enrich patent filing by faculty. I believe that impactful research should not just remain on paper—it should translate into innovations that benefit society and industry.
Q: What steps have you taken for student facilitation?
VC: Students are our first priority. In my first year, we have launched a one-window operation for student facilitation, which provides integrated services under one roof. Moving forward, we are working on digital transformation of student services. Similarly, automation of administrative and financial procedures is underway to make the university more efficient. We have also enhanced hostel facilities to ensure a comfortable living environment for our students.
Q: How do you envision the University of Education as a hub of quality education?
VC: The main challenge is to brand UoE as a hub of quality education and research culture. With nine campuses in seven cities across five divisions of Punjab, we are a large networked university, and I strongly believe we can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Punjab and Pakistan.
Q: Can you share about UoE’s collaboration with the School Education Department?
VC: Certainly. We are actively collaborating with the School Education Department at the ministry level to train the teachers of Punjab. A significant meeting in this regard was recently held under the chairmanship of the Punjab Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat. In that meeting, we put forth our policy advocacy, highlighting how UoE can support teacher training and capacity building at the provincial level.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to give to the students of UoE?
VC: My message is simple: students are our strength and our first priority. We are committed to providing them with the best opportunities to excel in academics, research, and the job market. I want them to believe that the University of Education is not just a place to earn a degree, but a platform that empowers them to grow, innovate, and lead the future.