Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) awarded merit scholarships and research grants to 478 outstanding students during a special ceremony held on campus yesterday. Professor. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor AIOU, graced the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nasir Mahmood emphasized the urgent need to focus on the quality of education in today’s time. He expressed pride over AIOU’s achievement in securing the second position among over 2,000 Pakistani universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 under Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). “This global recognition reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence,” he remarked.
The Vice Chancellor shared that AIOU currently offers nine categories of scholarships, including those for children of martyrs, transgender individuals, prisoners, persons with disabilities, and deserving students on a merit basis. He lauded the efforts of the university’s faculty and parents, noting that the scholarship recipients had secured over 80% marks purely based on merit.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to educational support, Dr. Mahmood revealed that Rs. 140 million have been allocated for scholarships this year to benefit a greater number of students.
The event was organised by the Directorate of Student Advisory and Counselling Services, during which 439 students were awarded Merit Scholarships, and 39 students received Research Grants. The Vice Chancellor congratulated all awardees, stating that these scholarships are meant not only to reward talent but also to assist deserving students in continuing their education.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmad Arshad termed the scholarship winners as a source of pride and a national asset. He reaffirmed the university’s mission to provide quality education to all Pakistanis. “To ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints, AIOU has launched a Student Support Fund, and is currently offering free matric education in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the merged tribal districts,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by faculty members, principal officers, and students.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
