NED University of Engineering and Technology: towards new milestones in academic excellence

The contemporary world is greatly influenced by reputation of success and performance that is historically established. If one approaches from the present-day idiom in language, NED has become a brand name in our context. It symbolises quality education in engineering, architecture and computer science & information technology. It has many parallels with higher education institutions of repute.
It has a history of about a century. NED is noted as the oldest institution of teaching and producing engineering graduates ever since its inception. Whereas it began its journey as Prince of Wales Engineering College in 1922, the present name was given two years later in recognition of the generous donation of the family members of the Nadir Shaw Edulji Dinshaw. For a very long time, it was the only institution of engineering education in the province of Sindh. The prime pride of NED has been its graduates most of whom have done very well in their respective professional careers. A sizable number of NED alumni played a pioneering role in the various fields of engineering work after Pakistan came into being.
Some of the domains of professional contribution include consultancy, professional advice, setting up laboratories, research, industrial development, technical training/education, collaborative assignments, entrepreneurship and expansion, quality assurance mechanisms, management of units, design innovations and several others. The work of this invaluable human resource has had far reaching impacts over the period of time. Development of indigenous capabilities in design, management and operation of vital industries and enterprises, evolution and expansion of new forms of industrial arrangements in production and support to state policies of industrialisation during various regimes are some salients that have been vital for the progress and prosperity of the nation. In other words, this University has played a pivotal role in augmenting technological and industrial development by providing dependable cadres of engineering graduates.
Another important feature of merit of this University is the overseas alumni body. During different phases in history, NED graduates were able to seize employment opportunities in the Middle East and Gulf, North America, Australia, Europe and Far East. Setting their foot in highly competitive environments, these graduates were able to excel in their chosen fields and areas of specialization. Many of them founded their own firms and were able to demonstrate their talents both in the engineering as well as management domains. By extending support to their colleague engineers, the NED alumni became a well knitted fraternity which not only established their meritorious status abroad but also developed a positive image for their nation. It is also a point of importance that these entrepreneurs have contributed to nation building by sending billions of dollars worth of foreign exchange. At one point in time, remittances by overseas Pakistanis had surpassed the total exports of the country.
Within that large pool, the contribution of highly skilled manpower in the form of NED graduates was also significant. Besides, these well meaning folks supported their alma meter in more than one manner. Development of scholarship funds, assistance in seeking admissions in overseas post graduate institutions for young graduates, technical assistance and contribution during their visits to Pakistan and initiation of joint research projects are few examples.
The alumni have contributed with a spirit of service to the nation. They cherish the fact that the quality education from NED - at an almost negligible cost - has been the core input in shaping the successful careers and happy life enjoyed by them. Fired by a sense of service, these assorted groups are truly the face of Pakistan and its honorary ambassadors.
The policy of the present day administration in this university assigns the highest priority to quality in education. It took the revolutionary step of obtaining ISO 9000 certification about eight years ago in order to structure a quality management system which could transparently ensure the prescription and practice of quality oriented approaches throughout the campus. Few outcomes have become very prominent in this respect. The academic year and programme are strictly adhered with despite the odds experienced in the city as a routine. When campus closures arise as a consequence of unscheduled holidays, lost time is compensated by organising extra classes within the stipulated period, opening the campus on Sundays and increasing the working hours of the campus by one hour. Due to the sincere efforts and hard work of the faculty, students and staff members, the degree programmes are strictly completed as per announced schedules. No delays of any sort have been seen especially since the past twelve years.
Follow up on the student performance is the most important attribute in the academic management in this University. The students are motivated and advised to show cent percent attendance. Under any circumstances, students are not allowed to appear in annual examinations if they possess less than 75 percent aggregate attendance. To keep the parents and guardians informed about the regularity of students, written correspondence is periodically dispatched well ahead of the conclusion of academic year.
The parents then get ample time and opportunity for taking corrective action. The campus management teams, while extending conducive environment for optimum learning, keep vigilance regarding any possible ant-social activities. All such attempts are nipped in the bud in the larger interest of the students and their future! And it may be noted that more than 25 percent students are girls. Gender sensitivity in terms of safety, security and facilities is a foremost objective of the University administration.
For giving a wholesome stay to students, a large number of co-curricular and sports activities are regularly staged. Debates, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other such events are a regular feature of the academic calendar. The office of Controller Student Affairs manages these events and activities by carefully synchronising with the study schedules. In addition, the students are also exposed to the needs of actual working environment through internships in the various industries. Industrial liaison directorate keeps close co-ordination and follow-up with industrial and public sector concerns of various ranks and profiles. The students in third year and other classes benefit from this vital exposure. In many cases, the employment of interns after graduation becomes guaranteed when the prospective employers view the potential and capacities of the students.
Institutions take ages to evolve. They take even greater time spans to depict their outputs and potential. But it is an even uphill task to maintain the high standards set during the process of evolution. The NED University has experienced a phase of rapid growth, expansion and development in its recent past. The future is now concentrated towards consolidating and managing excellence. After reviewing the glorious retrospect, it can be predicted with satisfaction that the emerging times shall see this institution attain new heights and distinctions.
(The writer is Professor and Chairman, Architecture and Planning Department NED University, Karachi.)