By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), in convocation 2025, Islamabad Chapter, on Wednesday awarded 800 students with degrees and medals.
The chief guest of the memorable ceremony was Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, while Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood hosted the event. The ceremony was attended by Secretary of Education/Acting Chairman Higher Education Commission Nadeem Mahbub, Vice Chancellors of various universities, faculty members and distinguished social and political figures, which added further prestige to the occasion.
Addressing the graduates, Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui congratulated the students and their parents, saying“Today, as you step out of the world of academia and into practical life, it is time to use your knowledge and abilities to build the nation. The destination may be far, but if the path is right it will surely be reached. I am confident that each of you represents the promise of a bright future for Pakistan.
You are graduating from a university that is spreading the light of knowledge across the country.” Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood expressed pride in the student’s achievements stating that there is hardly a home in Pakistan without a student of Allama Iqbal Open University. “We are proud of our graduates who are serving in various institutions across the country,” he said.
Highlighting the university’s excellence, Dr Nasir added that AIOU students are in no way behind those from other universities, having earned numerous awards at national and international levels.
AIOU provides free education to transgender persons, prison inmates and persons with disabilities, as well as free matriculation education for children in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and merged tribal districts, he mentioned.
He further noted that the university’s academic outreach now spans the globe, with international students from 37 countries enrolled in the most recent semester.
A total of 800 male and female students were conferred degrees for successfully completing their academic programs while Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to those who demonstrated outstanding performance.
