KARACHI – The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL) is set to expand its academic horizons by introducing MPhil and PhD programs, alongside specialized courses in Nursing and Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT). In an exclusive conversation with Express News, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Hussain Mehdi shared that the university is awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which is expected within the coming days.
Academic Expansion and Modernization The university has finalized preparations to launch an MPhil in Information Technology, a PhD in Business Administration, and both MPhil and PhD programs in English and Education. Additionally, admissions for Nursing and DPT are slated for the next academic session, with accreditation councils being invited for inspections as soon as the NOC is received.
Governance and Budgetary Reforms In a significant administrative breakthrough, the University Senate is scheduled to meet this Wednesday for the first time in 15 years. The meeting, chaired by Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Ismail Rahoo, aims to formally approve the university budget, which has been utilized without formal legislative oversight for over a decade. Dr. Mehdi highlighted that the administration has also successfully established a regular Syndicate to strengthen the university’s structural framework.
Countering Misinformation and Vested Interests Addressing recent controversies, the Vice Chancellor noted that institutional reforms have faced pushback from certain elements spreading misleading propaganda. He clarified that the university is moving toward stability, having appointed Professors, Associate Professors, and Lecturers over the past year to fill long-vacant positions and leadership roles that were previously functioning without permanent deans.
Industry Linkages and Employment To bolster employability, BBSUL has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with over 20 leading companies. These partnerships are designed to provide students with practical training, internships, and direct career paths. Regarding the appointment of a Registrar, the VC clarified that the process followed all legal protocols, including Syndicate approval and advertisements in Urdu, Sindhi, and English newspapers, dismissing any claims of irregularities.
