The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has launched the third and final phase of its Future Leaders Training Program for Associate and Assistant Professors. This phase focuses on applying knowledge to practice, with the goal of strengthening academic leadership and improving institutional performance.
The program, which began in April 2024, was designed to prepare mid-career faculty members for leadership roles. According to IIUI President Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, the training is based on faculty feedback and evolving academic needs. He said that this initiative is part of a broader effort to align the university’s academic growth with global standards.
The three-day training is being held under the supervision of the Office of Professional Trainings. It includes five sessions led by experienced professionals from academia and industry. The program covers topics such as strategic planning, academic quality, research practices, institutional sustainability, and organizational behavior.
On the first day, two sessions were conducted. The first, titled “Quality Drive in Academic Programs,” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University. He shared insights on academic quality based on his experience of starting universities from scratch and serving as a vice chancellor at multiple institutions. He also discussed how to identify and develop academic talent and address unexpected challenges.
The second session, “Best Research Practices and Making a Difference: Aligning with SDGs for Better Rankings and Impact,” was conducted by Mr. Ammar Hussain Jaffri, a former Additional Director General of the FIA and Founder of the SDGs Academy. He explained the importance of aligning research with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how this can help improve institutional impact and international rankings. He also introduced the Digital Pakistan Vision 2047, which aims to promote inclusive innovation and economic development.
Dr. Shuja noted that around 50% of the participants have attended earlier phases of the training, while 20-30% are new. He said the program is designed to give faculty members the tools to improve teaching, governance, and research outcomes. A similar training program will soon be introduced for TRAs and Lecturers.
The training also emphasizes the importance of providing a space where faculty can share ideas and experiences. The program encourages participants to apply what they learn in their specific academic contexts. It aims to build leadership capacity across the university in line with international benchmarks.