UK Open University to work with AIOU to boost up quality education

Islamabad: A 2-member delegation of World’s first Open University (OU) established in UK in 1969 visited Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad to share its knowledge and experience to enhance the accessible quality education.

The US delegation visit that was sponsored by British Council in Islamabad was targeted at assisting Allama Iqbal Open University in carrying out its partnership plan, improving its academic ranking as well as offering best possible services to aspirants.

Senior British academicians Dr. Nicholas Richard Watson and Mrs. Anna Childs on their arrival at the main campus of varsity were welcomed by VC of AIOU Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui. The delegation was appraised of the future development strategy of AIOU that involves promoting pioneering applied research, advanced curriculum as well as course materials, professional development, strengthening the support system for students and enhancing the delivery system by smart use of technology. 

UK Open University first in the world and Allama Iqbal Open University first in Asia maintained the close relationship for many years in promoting the open distance learning system. The idea of starting the Open University in Pakistan under an Act of Parliament was brought from United Kingdom by earlier PM Shaheed Zulfiaqar Ali Buhtto to end or to decrease illiteracy.

The delegation praised the attainments of Allama Iqbal Open University in the recent years and distinguished that it made remarkable progress in all the related fields. It expected their visit will be productive one in assisting to attain the future goals.

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui moreover said that they were looking forward to recommence their earlier association along with UK OU making the non-formal education more effective in holding the research work on society-related matters and improving the literacy rate in the country.

The delegation was given the detailed presentation on the working of varsity by the Director, Directorate of Overseas Education and Distance Learning Majid Rashid.  It took round of different departments to get first-hand knowledge of the latest developments of university. It would be holding individual meetings along with the heads of different departments for holding scoping study of the varsity’s working.