London: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, recently visited Keele University’s Denis Coates Foundation Building and Business School in a bid to explore innovative educational models. The visit focused on integrating industry within the academic framework as a means to align graduates’ skills with market demands.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal observed a modern approach at the university that emphasized direct collaboration between students and industry leaders. He highlighted the need for universities to transcend traditional boundaries and evolve into centers of innovation and creativity.

Minister Iqbal underscored the importance of adopting a similar model in Pakistan. He instructed the Member of Science and Technology to incorporate industry partnerships into the academic curricula and institutional frameworks in Pakistan. This initiative aims to provide students with practical experience and industry mentorship.

The proposed changes are expected to bridge the gap between education and employment in Pakistan, offering a new direction for the nation’s economy. By fostering industry-academia collaboration, the initiative seeks to equip students with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.