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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SHEC's CIEC Chairman urges universities to enhance internal revenue amid budget constraints
HYDERABAD: Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and former Vice-Chancellor of NED University Karachi, has emphasized the need for public sector universities to reduce expenditures and explore internal revenue streams to navigate growing financial challenges. Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, Dr Lodi pointed out that while the federal government has not increased university budgets over the past eight years, the Sindh government has stepped up with a proposed allocation of Rs42 billion for provincial universities. However, he warned that fiscal challenges are likely to intensify, urging universities to adopt more sustainable financial strategies. 'Increasing student fees is not a viable option for public sector universities, as they are often the only accessible avenue for quality education for students from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said. 'In my new role, I am committed to supporting the enhancement of academic and research standards across institutions, along with addressing structural and operational issues.' Dr Lodi also highlighted the vital role of universities in producing leadership across all sectors and called for efforts that yield long-term, generational benefits for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Meritorious Professor and former Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr A Q Mughal, praised Dr Lodi's financial reforms at NED University, which have contributed significantly to its current financial stability. He noted that Dr Lodi has been a consistent supporter of universities across Sindh, facilitating improvements and institutional strengthening. SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal shared that the university is currently grappling with financial constraints. 'A special grant request of Rs670 million has been submitted to the Sindh Government and SHEC to clear outstanding gratuities of retired staff since 2022,' he informed. Dr Siyal acknowledged Dr Lodi's instrumental role in resolving key issues at SAU, including the long-standing delay in promotions of meritorious professors. He expressed hope that university graduates would be able to secure viable market opportunities and emerge as successful entrepreneurs in the evolving job market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh Startups Exhibition 2025: SAU's Moringa products stall draws attention
HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam showcased its innovative food products made from Suhanjhro (Moringa) at the First Sindh Startups Exhibition 2025, held in Karachi under the joint collaboration of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The exhibition brought together leading academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Sindh. SAU set up a unique stall under the supervision of its Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). The display featured a range of organic products developed from moringa, including Moringa Leaf Powder, Moringa Tea, Moringa Biscuits, Moringa Oil, Moringa Bread, and Moringa Root Powder highlighting the university's commitment to sustainable agriculture and food innovation. The Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, visited the stall and commended the high quality and creative effort behind the showcased products. 'This initiative reflects the expertise and innovation of our students and faculty, and promotes the sustainable use of natural and nutritional resources like Moringa. It is a proud step toward agricultural and nutritional self-reliance in Sindh,' he said. Dr. Tanzeer Fatima Miano, Director ORIC, and Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miano, a specialist from IFST, briefed the Vice Chancellor about the concept and development process of the products. They shared that SHEC had officially approved the university's proposal for participating in the exhibition and recognized the value of Moringa-based food innovations. During the exhibition, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the SAU stall, expressing keen interest in the Moringa-derived products. He appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and the university team for promoting research-based, health-oriented solutions from local resources. Dr. Munir Ahmed Jamali and other senior university officials were also present at the event, reflecting the growing academic-industry linkage in Sindh's higher education landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
