HEC signs MoU with university to host nutrition courses on NAHE’s national learning platform

ISLAMABAD, Jul 01 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, and the Aga Khan University (AKU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host the IGNIT3 online nutrition courses on the Learning Management System (LMS) of HEC’s National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).

The agreement formalises a collaboration aimed at strengthening the capacity of university faculty engaged in nutrition and nursing disciplines across the country. The MoU was signed by Dr Salim Virani, Professor and Vice Provost Research, AKU, and Dr Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director, NAHE.

Under the partnership, AKU has provided seven SCORM-compliant nutrition courses for hosting on the NAHE LMS, covering foundational nutrition concepts, assessment, and management of malnutrition, and intersectoral issues, climate change, and gender. The courses are designed for faculty cadres including Lecturers, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, Demonstrators, Instructors, Senior Instructors, and Directors.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman HEC, appreciated AKU team for their support and asked for such collaborations on strategic matters. He also asked for integrating such content in the curriculum.

Prof. Dr Zia ul Haq, Executive Director HEC, acknowledged the role of AKU leadership and staff for providing content and support. He emphasized on creating awareness among the masses about Nutrition issues. He further added that in future these courses can be offered at universities for students.

Dr Noor Amna Malik stated that the partnership reflects HEC’s commitment to enhancing faculty development through innovative digital learning opportunities and strategic collaborations with leading national and international institutions.

Prof. Dr Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Distinguished National Professor thanked all those in attendance and appreciated the efforts of all parties who made this collaboration successful, sharing his hopes on how the Pakistan context-specific IGNIT3 courses can help build a nutrition knowledgeable workforce in the country.

The partnership reflects HEC’s continuing efforts, through NAHE, to expand accredited continuing professional development opportunities for university faculty and to align academic capacity building with national priorities in maternal, newborn, and child health. The MoU will remain in effect until 31 March 2029.