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ISLAMABAD, Oct 06 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), on Monday, intended to collaborate with universities across Pakistan to strengthen digital learning infrastructure and share its expertise in online education, aiming to accelerate the country’s transition toward modern, technology-driven higher education.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a five-day training workshop on the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Policy, AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood said, “The shift toward digital education is transforming higher learning in Pakistan. As a pioneering institution, AIOU seeks to guide universities in adopting advanced digital education models through our state-of-the-art data center, Campus Management System (CMS), and Learning Management System (LMS).”
The workshop—organized by AIOU’s Directorate of Collaboration and Exchange with support from the Higher Education Commission (HEC)—brought together academic and technical representatives from leading universities including Quaid-i-Azam University, International Islamic University Islamabad, NUST, Bahria University, and COMSATS.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Abdullah Anwar (Deputy Director, Quality Assurance, HEC), Ayesha Ikram (Director General, Scholarships, HEC), and Dr Zahid Majeed (Director, International Affairs, AIOU).
Dr Mahmood encouraged participants to explore AIOU’s comprehensive ICT infrastructure and assess how similar systems could be customized to enhance efficiency and access in their respective institutions.
Addressing the participants, Nasir Shah, Director General (Quality Assurance) at HEC, stressed the importance of quality in online learning.
“Our aim is not to create degree mills but to promote quality education. Universities need AIOU’s guidance to implement effective and credible digital learning systems,” he said.
The speakers underlined the critical role of the ODL policy in raising academic standards and expanding equitable access to higher education across the country.
A total of 25 senior faculty members, IT experts, and institutional focal persons are participating in the workshop, which is expected to significantly strengthen digital education capacity nationwide.