KARACHI:  Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) in partnership with School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS) at Institute of Business Administration (IBA), hosted pivotal dialogue on future of undergraduate education.

Event brought together esteemed scholars and educational leaders from renowned institutions including AKU, IBA, Habib University (HU), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and University of Balochistan (UoB). Dialogue, spearheaded by Professor Asma Hyder Dean of SESS, IBA and Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, centered on evolving landscape of undergraduate education amidst global challenges and technological advancements.

Dr Panjwani emphasised importance of this initiative, stating, “Undergraduate students are at stage of idealism and creativity, making it profound responsibility of universities to nurture their potential through critically progressive and historically grounded education.

This demands regular reflection on nature of this education, ensuring it remains fit for purpose. Educators must rethink purpose, relevance, and structure of undergraduate education to prepare students for an uncertain and complex future.” Dr Faisal Bari (LUMS) led discussion on delicate balance between skill acquisition and theoretical knowledge in undergraduate education. Dr Aaron Mulvany (HU) explored interplay between specialisation, interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinary approaches, urging institutions to break away from traditional academic boundaries. Dr Anjum Halai (AKU) examined potential and challenges of joint degrees, courses and co-teaching models, advocating for new perspectives to create more integrated and enriching learning experience for students.

Dr Aurangzaib Alizai (UoB) underscored importance of inclusion and diversity, highlighting need to teach students how to coexist, embrace diversity and respect differing opinions as integral parts of their education. Dr Hyder stressed significance of collaboration among institutions, noting, “In today’s complex society, challenges we face demand that educators rethink very purpose, relevance and structure of education at all levels.”