892 awarded degrees at IBA convocation

As many as 892 students were conferred degrees at the 2017 convocation ceremony of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at its main campus in the University Enclave on Saturday. The graduating batch also comprised the first group of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts graduates. The break-up of the IBA graduates included 721 undergraduates, 170 graduates and a PhD, in various disciplines.
High achievers were also awarded medals, shields and certificates in various disciplines. The IBA also acknowledged its dedicated staff and faculty by awarding 'Faculty and Staff Performance Awards' to star performers. Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, former federal minister was the chief guest while Chairman HEC; Governor Sindh, Muhammad Zubair (Patron, IBA); and Dean and Director, IBA Karachi Dr Farrukh Iqbal were also present.
Dr Atta-ur-Rahman gave a presentation on 'Science & Innovation for Socio-Economic Development'. He explained that socio-economic development is no longer dependent on natural resources and the world economy is now driven by knowledge. He emphasized on the importance of quality higher education and appreciated the IBA's role in imparting it in multiple disciplines of higher learning. Governor Sindh, Muhammad Zubair (an IBA alumnus) congratulated the graduates and stated that as flag bearers of a golden legacy, it is anticipated from the fresh graduates that they will not only become ambassadors for the institute but also excel in every sphere.
Earlier, in his welcome address, IBA Dean and Director Dr Farrukh Iqbal said the broadening of the academic base at the IBA with three new disciplines namely Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Accounting & Finance, and Economics & Mathematics being introduced in the past five years. Dr Farrukh stated that the IBA's full-time faculty strength is 118, of which, 65 are PhDs. He noted that IBA has shifted its focus towards research and last year 14 papers penned down by faculty members were published in internationally ranked journals compared to just 2, eight years back.
IBA Dean highlighted the diversity at the IBA and pointed out that students were recruited from remote and marginalized areas of Pakistan through our Talent Hunt Programme and provided free-of-cost education throughout 4 years. He elaborated that over the years, thousands of professionals have benefited from short courses and diplomas through various IBA's Centres of Excellence.