VC NSU Praises HEC Initiative on Empowering Pakistan's Youth for the Digital Age through DLSEI

Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched its Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative's third phase (DLSEI) partnership with Coursera. This program will provide free access to over 12,000 online courses and guided projects for 100,000 students and faculty members across Pakistan's higher education institutions. Such initiatives are educational opportunities and pivotal investments in the country's future. This opportunity is available to public and private sector educational institutions nationwide.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, led a delegation from his university comprising the Coordinator for Online Learning and Short Coursea and several students.
 
Since its inception in 2018, DLSEI has demonstrated its transformative potential. Over 45,000 participants have earned deep-skills certifications, and 267,000 courses have been completed, directly contributing to individuals' career advancement and institutional development. These achievements underscore the pressing need for continued expansion of digital education in a nation where most of the population is under 30, and the global economy increasingly rewards technological proficiency.

The collaboration with Coursera brings an unparalleled advantage. With its global reputation and a library curated by more than 300 leading universities and companies, Coursera provides learners with high-demand skills and industry-relevant credentials. The impact is impressive. According to a report, 99% of previous DLSEI beneficiaries found the platform instrumental in their learning, while many experienced tangible career advancements, including increased earnings and professional recognition.

Yet, for this initiative to truly revolutionize education in Pakistan, it demands full ownership and participation from universities and students. Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed noted that a "building-blocks" approach is crucial for sustainable progress. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of National Skills University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, rightly emphasized the need for HEC to broaden support for similar technology-driven skill-building platforms.

This moment calls for collective action. Universities must actively promote these opportunities, students must seize them, and policymakers must ensure long-term funding and integration of such programs into the national education strategy. By doing so, Pakistan can bridge its digital skills gap and position its youth as active players in the global economy.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, a nation's prosperity hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate. DLSEI 3.0 is a testament to Pakistan's resolve to meet this challenge. Now, it is up to all stakeholders to ensure its success, transforming access to knowledge into real-world empowerment for millions.