A Remarkable Journey of Transformation at National Skills University Islamabad, Pakistan

Addressing the Best Teacher Award Ceremony at National Skills University Islamabad (NSU), Dr. Shaista Sohail, former Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC), highlighted the extraordinary progress the institution has made under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor, Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar. What was once a university in ruins has blossomed into a thriving hub of innovation and learning. This transformation, marked by significant improvements in academic programs, infrastructure, and industry collaborations, deserves recognition for its success and the resilience it represents.

In collaboration with the HEC and other organizations, Dr. Mukhtar's leadership has spearheaded initiatives offering students hands-on, cutting-edge IT and software development education and several other skills employers in the country and abroad seek. In her speech, the former ED HEC emphasized these programs' critical role in equipping students for the future. Collaborations with industry established by the NSU are particularly noteworthy because they bring valuable skills directly to the students, bridging the gap between academia and the demands of the modern workforce. As a result, NSU students are now better positioned to succeed in Pakistan's growing tech sector, a field that is crucial for the country's economic future.

The transformation of NSU has been nothing short of a miracle. "Three and a half years ago, the university was in ruins," Dr. Shaista recalled. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Mukhtar and his team, it stands as a model of discipline, cleanliness, and academic rigor. The campus is now home to state-of-the-art IT labs designed to offer students theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios. She praised several faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf, the Head of the IT department, who has been instrumental in this evolution, teaching students how to turn their classroom learning into meaningful technological solutions. "You have the best of the best teachers," Dr. Shaista told the students, pointing to the dedicated faculty working hard to ensure the university's academic excellence.

What stood out most in Dr. Shaista Sohail's speech was her admiration for the spirit of continuous learning. She expressed her humility, noting that despite her many years in the field, she is still learning—especially from Dr. Mukhtar, whom she described as a source of inspiration. She recounted a recent event with a Malaysian university delegation, during which Dr. Mukhtar meticulously managed every moment, ensuring the visit was productive and meaningful. It was a small example that spoke volumes about his attention to detail and dedication to the university's progress. This commitment to continuous learning is a reminder that no matter how much we know, there is always more to learn, and it is this curiosity and growth that will drive us forward.

The Best Teacher Award Ceremony celebrated individual excellence and reflected the collective effort to rebuild NSU. The university's success reflects the broader goals of higher education in Pakistan—producing disciplined, well-rounded, and skilled graduates prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

As the students cheered for their favorite teachers, one couldn't help but feel the palpable sense of pride that has become synonymous with NSU. Under Dr. Mukhtar's guidance, the university has redefined what is possible, turning a once struggling institution into a beacon of hope for education in Pakistan. It is a reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can be circumvented with exemplary leadership and vision. The students, with their dedication and hard work, have been an integral part of this transformation, and their role in NSU's success cannot be ignored.

Former Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail's words were both a tribute and a call to action:

• For the students to continue striving.
• For the faculty to keep pushing boundaries.
• For the leadership to remain unwavering in its commitment to excellence.

She concluded with admiration for National Skills University, which is not just a place of learning - it is a symbol of transformation that will undoubtedly shape the future of its students and, by extension, the nation itself.