“Universities are supposed to be the centres of quality”

The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said on Tuesday that universities are supposed to be the centres of quality conventional and virtual education with highly qualified faculty.

The Minister said this while addressing a launch ceremony of Phase-II of the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI).

Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, HEC, Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera, Vice Chancellors, Senior faculty members and students were present at the event.

DLSEI has been initiated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in partnership with Coursera, the online learning platform. After the fruitful conclusion of the DLSEI Phase-I project, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has signed a contract with Coursera and formally launched the Program at a principally discounted pricing model. HEC through its inventiveness “Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative” (DLSEI) aims to boost online learning and skills development among passionate students with 1000+ Courses and 28 Learning tracks.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister highlighted that Pakistan’s education system is posed to plethora of challenges, predominantly absence of quality education and relevance. He emphasized the importance of intermediations like Coursera for students and faculty.

“There is a massive need for skill development in the country, and the courses offered through Coursera are a outstanding intervention especially at a time when Covid-19 has greatly enhanced the importance of online learning,” he said.

He also commended the efforts of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) for offering training to university leadership, faculty, and administrative staff to enhance their capacity.