A delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Education of the Syrian Arab Republic visited COMSATS University (CUI) in Islamabad on Monday.
The Syrian delegation led by Dr. Rami Waheed Al-Dhulli, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, and Ramez Alraee, Syrian Ambassador to Pakistan. Among the representatives of the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are Dr. Manal Suleiman Sakr, Director of IT; Director of Scientific Research, Mr. Saeed Khadra; Dr. Aqil Saeed Mahfud, Director of International Cooperation. There are representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Director of Government (IT) Syria Najib Suhail Salak, as well as the Director of Education Mr. Ragib Ali Al-Jidi. Zulfiqar Ali Samin, Deputy Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and Training, and Zain Ul Abedin, Joint Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan were also present.
Rector of CUI, Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar on behalf of COMSATS University welcomed the representatives and team members.
Dr. Hammad Omer, Head of the International Office of CUI, presented details of the achievements and accomplishments of COMSATS University. He reported that 11 Syrian students have been educated at CUI so far. Proposed joint opportunities include academic exchange programs, faculty development, cultural exchange, hybrid technology and ICT education, innovation and research collaboration.
Representatives expressed great interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation with COMSATS University in many fields related to virtual learning, learning mechanisms, scientific skills and information and communication technology (ICT), students and teachers’ skills in technology-based education. initiative and explore ways of bilateral scientific and cultural cooperation. Delegates also expressed interest in CUI’s support in improving the ranking of Syrian universities. The representatives announced the establishment of the Syria-COMSATS-COMSTECH Information Technology Center (SCCITC) in 2000 under the auspices of the presidents of the two countries. However, the project experienced a major setback in the mathematics of the conflict in Syria and the subsequent earthquake. Delegates expressed interest in revitalizing SCCITC and improving its outlook.
Prof. dr. Sajid Qamar said that the training will be conducted immediately after completing the formalities. He said CUI will offer postgraduate scholarships to promising students from Syria.
Dr. Tahir Naeem, P&D/HRD; Prof. dr. Sajjad A. Madani, Accountant; Prof. dr. Sakib Gulzar, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration; Professor in charge of Islamabad campus Dr. Sohail Asghar; Prof. dr. Shamsul Qamar, Officer-in-Charge of ORIC; and Ali Tawab Buluch, General Manager of the International Office, were also present.
