ISLAMABAD: (APP) Open University (OU) of United Kingdom has expressed its willingness to develop a ten-year strategic plan to further strengthen and promote open distance learning system in Pakistan through Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
In this connection, they sent a proposed work-plan to the AIOU for its evaluation and further study.
This was conveyed at a meeting of the AIOU's senior academicians held here on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui.
As per the plan, the OU will provide capacity-building support to AIOU for implementing the working plan.
For this purpose, the two-sides will develop long-term collaborative partnership by holding workshops and bilateral visits.
The proposed plan (findings and recommendations) were the follow- up of the visit, the two-member OU team paid to Pakistan March this year.
The OU in its findings endorsed the visions and goals, earlier set by the Vice Chancellor for the University's further development.
The OU's support is aimed at developing the AIOU as a model educational institution of distance learning.
The meeting appreciated the OU for its support and interest in reinforcing a credible and affordable education system in Pakistan.
It was decided that the AIOU will arrange necessary financial support for preparation and implementation of the proposed ten-year strategic plan.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said that they will fully avail the opportunity to work with OU for implementing their targets areas, that include achieving professional excellence, promoting research-based activities, strengthening students' support and delivering system, improving its curriculum and enhancing collaborative partnership with the national and international institutions.
As per plan, a team of OU's senior academicians will visit Pakistan in September this year to give final shape to the proposed recommendations and findings. They will also suggest a criteria and professional standard for holding the workshops for University's capacity-building.
The UK OU was first in the world and AIOU first in Asia maintained close liaison for many years in popularizing open distance learning.
Now it was decided that the two sides would revise and maintain their partnership to continue share their expertise and experience in promoting accessible and affordable quality education.
Its two-member delegation in its recent visit had held Scoping study' to understand the working of AIOU and to suggest ways and means for its further improvement.
The delegation comprised Dr. Nicholas Richard Watson and Mrs.
Anna Childs.