Ziauddin University holds online convocation for 557 graduates

KARACHI: Ziauddin University (ZU) conducted its first virtual convocation for the 17th graduating class of 557 students. The online convocation was broadcasted live on Facebook.

At the 17th convocation, 557 students were conferred degrees in various programs, including MBBS, Dentistry, PharmD, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Technology, Speech-Language & Hearing Sciences, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Clinical Lab Sciences, Media Sciences, as well as three PhDs.

Addressing the Convocation 2020, Dr Asim Hussain, Chancellor, Ziauddin University, congratulated the graduating students and their proud parents. He acknowledged their success by stating, “Today, will always be cherished as one of the happiest days of your life. For the parents, it has been their dream for years to see their children attain this prestigious degree. For the students, today marks the beginning of a new journey. You owe your parents the utmost respect, not only for the upbringing but also for their hard work and the sacrifices they made to get you a better education so that you can create a better world."

“It is a matter of great privilege and honor for me to give this yearly sermon on this important and auspicious day when the students are entering a new millennium in their lives. The year 2020 has changed the entire modus operandi not only of the country but of the world. The quicker we adapt to this new change, the better will be the country, and we will be on the way to progress,” he added.

Encouraging the graduating students of 2020, Chancellor exclaimed: "I encourage all of you to recognize the tremendous significance of your achievements in making the transition from ZU students, to ZU graduates and alumni, and allow your success to be a source of pride that can give you confidence in the present and future.”

Dr Asim further stated that other than education, Ziauddin University has always believed in two things, one is character building and second is humanity. With these two great weapons, graduates will be able to prosper in life wherever they go.

While expressing his full confidence, he advised students to work really hard. No matter which journey they embark upon, they should make sure that the path they take benefits Pakistan as well as humankind. "Help the society and give your best to the mission of sustaining peace and eradicating poverty. Always remain open to new possibilities and keep in mind that neither success nor failure is final. Opportunities still exist. Accept my best wishes for a very bright and successful future. We, as a nation, count on you. Your success will lead to the successful future of the nation,” Dr Asim said.

Chancellor of Ziauddin University, Dr Asim Hussain motivated alumni and fresh graduates by saying that the differentiating hallmarks of Ziauddin University graduates are many, but the moral values taught to them are what differentiate them from the rest. They learn self-discipline, resourcefulness, and the ability to finish what they start in spite of the challenges they encounter along the way. We are partners for the rest of your life, and you will now belong to the Ziauddin family.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, in his welcome address, notified that the circumstances due to COVID-19 have made us opt for a virtual convocation this year, which is of a different nature altogether. After a six-month-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Ziauddin University has started e-Learning and successfully managed its online educational activities, including classes and examinations.

On the 17th convocation, he further said that the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Eastern Medicine and Natural Sciences are already admitting students to their programs since last year. Under the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a full-fledged College of Education, Language Centre, and the College of Languages, Literature, and Culture has been established.

"As a special mention, the Faculty of Law is all set to start an LLM program soon. There could also be a collaboration with Northampton University, the UK, in time to come. The Faculty of Eastern Medicine and Natural Sciences has already begun a Bachelor in Eastern Medicine Science, a 5-year degree program. A College of Horticulture and a College of Natural Sciences will be functional soon," he revealed.

While talking about the development and growth of Ziauddin University, Vice-Chancellor exclaimed, "At Education City, Link Road, Ziauddin University was the first to open a fully functional campus. At present, the Faculty of Engineering, Science, Technology & Management (ZUFESTM) is running engineering programs at the site. The College of Rehabilitation Sciences has also opened its doors at Education City and Sukkur site to students needing admission.”

Sharing the glorious journey of Ziauddin University, Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim stated that the Ziauddin Entity has successfully established the Ziauddin University Examination Board and a Ziauddin School System which now takes into fold basic education to higher education.

During the address, whilst motivating and advising the fresh graduates, Prof Pirzada Qasim said, “Always bear in mind that you are under oath to abide by professional ethics. Carry on the good work through your profession. You have to pursue your professional knowledge and experience to update and upgrade yourselves, so that value addition continues. I pray that you all may have a very bright future.  May Allah grant you wisdom, success, and a true sense of fulfillment of your cherished ideals and goals.”

Dr Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor, Ziauddin University, awarded Sir Ziauddin Gold Medals to the top ten position holders for their exemplary academic performance during their tenure at Ziauddin University. The medal recipients included Armeena Anis, Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS); Shiza Ahmed,  Bachelor of  Dental Surgery (BDS); Muneeza Nasir,  Doctor of Physical Therapy  (DPT); Mariyah Zahid, Bachelors of Audiology and Speech-Language Therapy (BS ASLT); Rojer Masih, Bachelor of Science and Nursing (BSN); Anumta Riyasat, Bachelor of Science Medical Technology CLS (BS MT CLS); Qayyum Ali Shah, Bachelor of Science Medical & Technology (BS MT); Sharan Birijlal, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D);  Munira Muhammadi Zariwala, Bachelor in Bio-Medical Engineering;  Saniya Yousuf, Bachelor of Science in Communication & Media Sciences (BS CMS).

-MN Report