ISLAMABAD, AUG 2 /DNA/ – The National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), Higher Education Commission (HEC) inaugurated a three-week Professional Development Training Program for 27 fellows of Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs (IPFP) at NAHE – HEC, Islamabad.
The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director NAHE, as the Chief Guest, while Engr. M. Raza Chohan, Adviser (HRD), HEC, attended as Guest of Honor.
Welcoming the participants, Mr. Sulaiman Ahmad, Director NAHE, provided an orientation on the format of the training program. He told the participants that Faculty Development Program not only underscores NAHE’s unwavering commitment to academic advancement and innovation but also directly supports and contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 4: Quality Education, which focuses on enhancing teaching methods and promoting lifelong learning; SDG 5: Gender Equality, which encourages equitable participation and leadership in academia; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to bolster employability and foster innovation; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which ensures equal opportunities for professional growth; SDG 13: Climate Action, which integrates sustainability education into academic curricula; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which strengthens institutional frameworks through enhanced leadership and administrative capabilities.
He further informed that NAHE has introduced a series of innovative learning approaches designed to enrich the training experience and foster holistic development among participants. These initiatives include Read & Reflect, where each participant will read an assigned book and submit a reflective report, encouraging critical thinking and personal engagement with the material. Plant a Promise requires participants to plant a sapling as a symbolic commitment to growth and sustainability. Dastan Sarai provides an opportunity for participants to share a personal or meaningful story, promoting narrative skills and cultural expression. Community Connect encourages each participant to dedicate 2–3 hours to community service, fostering civic responsibility and social awareness. Finally, Learning Together introduces a peer mentoring program designed to promote collaborative learning and mutual support throughout the training duration.
These initiatives reflect NAHE’s commitment to experiential learning and the development of well-rounded educators. Active participation and support from all team members will be essential to ensure their successful implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, Engr. M. Raza Chohan congratulated the selected scholars on their induction into the IPFP program. He appreciated NAHE’s new initiatives for faculty development. He urged participants to adopt a strategic approach towards their future careers and encouraged them to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” to add value to their professional journey.
In her keynote address, Dr. Noor Amna Malik inspired participants with her motivational words and emphasized the importance of active participation, discipline, and decorum throughout the program. She highlighted that the fellows are fortunate to receive this structured training and expressed her expectations that they would transform into skilled, dedicated, and impactful teachers ready to serve in higher education institutions across Pakistan.
The training initiative exemplifies NAHE’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the next generation of higher education faculty and advancing academic excellence across Pakistan’s universities.
