The President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, met with recently promoted faculty members to discuss key academic and institutional developments, as well as the importance of future leadership training initiatives.
During the meeting, he congratulated the faculty on their promotions and emphasized the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth.
Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed highlighted ongoing leadership training programs, including collaborative initiatives with the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He reiterated the importance of participatory decision-making and interdisciplinary approaches in research and education. He also shared that committees for ten new graduate programs have been established, with efforts underway to modernize select degree programs, particularly those focused on the Islamic character of the university.
He further emphasized the significance of faculty training in shaping future leaders, stating that IIUI is committed to equipping faculty members with essential leadership skills. He mentioned that specialized training sessions have been conducted and that more will be introduced, integrating best practices to develop effective academic leadership. These programs aim to prepare faculty for evolving educational challenges and institutional responsibilities.
Addressing institutional advancements, he noted that the revised organogram has been endorsed by statutory bodies, providing a structured pathway for institutional progress. He also emphasized the significance of interpreting statutes correctly and ensuring their proper implementation, urging faculty to engage in discussions for clarity and effective execution.
He stated that the university’s research output has seen significant growth, with a 200% increase in research income. He added that the Business Incubation Center (BIC) has been actively supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, facilitating 60 projects.
Additionally, a student development office has been launched to enhance soft skills training across 14 modules, covering areas such as CV writing and stress management.
The IIUI President highlighted that the Protocol and Public Relations (PR) department has developed a structured communication pathway to project the university’s strengths and achievements. He mentioned that a feedback and follow-up session with faculty members will be conducted in the coming days.
Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed also discussed the Board of Trustees’ endorsement of the university’s strategic plan. The meeting focused on skill-building through discussion, training, and brainstorming. Key topics and suggestions from the faculty members included a skills audit program, project and funding proposal training, collaborative opportunities, updated pedagogies, and aligning teaching methodologies with modern advancements.
The session reaffirmed the university’s dedication to faculty development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic institutional progress.