AIOU plans to waive displaced students' fees

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Vice Chancellor Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan said that the varsity plans to waive off the examination fee of internally displaced students of Malakand Division.

Talking to APP here, the VC said

that scores of students were enrolled with the university from these areas and the all out efforts would be made to facilitate them.

He said that earlier it had been decided to set up examination centres for the student of these areas at their camps to mitigate their suffering. The university staff also contributed generously for the relief of IDPs and one-day salary was also given in relief fund, he added. He said no stone would be left unturned to provide cheap education facilities to IDPs student and the university would continue it efforts till their proper rehabilitation. The AIOU is all set to expand its distance education network to provide access to maximum number of students, particularly living in the far-flung areas.

"The new education policy envisages enrolment of all children in schools for the better future of the country," Prof. Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan added.

He said that out of 170 million population, 68 million are under the age of 14 years, adding that out of these only 33 million are enrolled in schools.

He said that the AIOU would recruit as many as 919 persons in various departments and faculties to further expand its distance education system.

"The recruitment would be made merely on merit basis to ensure provision of qualitative and standards education to our youth, Hassan added.

He said that President and Chancellor of the varsity, Asif Ali Zardari has already given approval for recruiting the staff. In first phase, 417 post would be filled purely on merit to strengthen existing departments and opening of new disciplines.

He said AIOU was largest varsity, having 1.9 million students enrolled in various disciplines adding that the number of students was increasing with every passing year.

He said that currently there were 36 departments and four faculties and the varsity has awarded about 1.2 million degrees and diplomas so far.

The university has recently started four-year programmes in microbiology and chemistry while faculty of education would be established next year to offer four years degree course in education. The News