Lyari University Set to Launch MPhil, PhD, and Health Programs After Major Reforms

Lyari University Set to Launch MPhil, PhD, and Health Programs After Major Reforms

The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL) is on the verge of a major academic expansion. The university is preparing to launch several new programs, including doctoral and postgraduate studies, as well as critical health sciences degrees, signaling a new era of institutional growth.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hussain Mehdi has confirmed that the university expects to receive the final go-ahead from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) imminently, paving the way for admissions to begin in the next academic session.

New Academic Programs: From IT to Physiotherapy

In an exclusive interview, VC Dr. Mehdi outlined the comprehensive roadmap for the university’s academic future. He stated that the university anticipates receiving a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the HEC within the next few days for several new disciplines.

The new programs set to launch include:

• MPhil in Information Technology

• PhD in Business Administration

• MPhil and PhD in English

• MPhil and PhD in Education

Furthermore, BBSUL is venturing into the health sector by introducing a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) program and a comprehensive Nursing degree . According to the Vice Chancellor, once the HEC NOC is granted for these health programs, the relevant accreditation councils will be invited to inspect the facilities. "Preparations are complete, and we are ready to welcome students as soon as the formal approvals are in place," Dr. Mehdi assured.

Historic Senate Meeting After 15 Years

In a move aimed at correcting long-standing administrative irregularities, the University Senate is scheduled to meet on Wednesday. This marks the first time the governing body has convened in 15 years.

The primary agenda of the session is the approval of the university’s budget a financial plan that has been utilized without formal ratification for over a decade and a half. This meeting is viewed as a cornerstone of the current administration's commitment to transparency and institutional stability. The approval of the budget will bring the university’s financial practices in line with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening Leadership

Dr. Mehdi acknowledged that the path to reform has not been without obstacles. He alleged that the university’s ongoing improvements, academic advancements, and development initiatives have unsettled certain vested interests.

"These reforms are crucial for the future of our students and the institution. However, those who benefited from the previous lack of structure are spreading misleading propaganda to derail our progress," Dr. Mehdi claimed. Despite these challenges, he asserted that the institution is steadily marching toward academic excellence and stability.

A major part of this stability has been the resolution of chronic staffing shortages. Over the past year, BBSUL has aggressively filled vacant positions, appointing professors, associate professors, and lecturers across various departments. Prior to these appointments, several departments were operating without deans or permanent faculty leadership, which severely hampered academic quality. The university has also formally established its syndicate, further strengthening its administrative backbone.

Industry Linkages and Future Outlook

To bridge the gap between academia and industry, BBSUL has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with more than 20 well-known companies. These partnerships are part of a broader development strategy to provide students with practical exposure, internships, and potential employment opportunities upon graduation.

The launch of the MPhil and PhD programs is expected to transform BBSUL into a major research hub in Karachi, while the introduction of DPT and Nursing programs addresses a critical need for qualified healthcare professionals in the region.

With the HEC clearance expected shortly and the Senate meeting set to approve the budget, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari appears poised to enter a transformative phase, offering Lyari and the wider Karachi community access to high-quality postgraduate and professional education.