PU holds 15th Post-Graduate Students Conference

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Emphasizing the critical role of entrepreneurship in empowering women and bolstering the economy, Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat addressed the 15th post-graduate students’ conference at Punjab University (PU) Institute of Education and Research (IER). The conference, themed ‘Education for Entrepreneurship,’ was held at Waheed Shaheed Hall and attended by a distinguished gathering including PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood, IER Director Prof Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Conference Secretary Ifat Alvi, senior faculty members, researchers, and a large contingent of students.

In his keynote address, Rana Sikandar Hayat highlighted the success stories of neighboring countries like Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia, where women have been integrated into various sectors, significantly contributing to national development. He underscored the necessity for students to harness technology to advance entrepreneurial ventures.

“With 64% of Pakistan’s population being youth, equipping them with both education and skills can propel the country to new heights,” Hayat remarked. He praised Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her relentless efforts in fostering the development of youth and women, and stressed the importance of depoliticizing education to achieve high standards. “Reforms in the curriculum and the education system are essential,” he added, commending the IER for its leadership in teacher education.

Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood, in his address, announced the compulsory inclusion of entrepreneurship studies in all undergraduate programs at Punjab University and the establishment of a Business Incubation Center to support this initiative. “We are committed to transforming our students into job creators rather than job seekers,” Dr. Mahmood stated. He also highlighted the recent entrepreneurship gala where students showcased innovative business ideas, and pharmacy students launched their own online brands.

The conference also saw Prof Dr. Tariq Mehmood applauding the IER’s efforts in organizing numerous programs, including international conferences, within the last eight months. He emphasized the conference’s goal to illuminate various facets of research for the students and hailed IER’s growing reputation.

The event underscored the vital connection between education, entrepreneurship, and economic stability, and reiterated the government’s support in providing quality education and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Pakistan.