ISLAMABAD, In a move to bolster the country’s educational prowess, the Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Madad Ali Sindhi, announced the establishment of Centres of Excellence at the National Skills University (NSU) and the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. This initiative is a result of the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and Finland, primarily spearheaded by the Turku Municipality of Finland.

According to Press Information Department, Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, Mr. Hannu Ripatti, met with Minister Madad Ali Sindhi to deliberate on the importance of mutual exchange in Vocational and Technical Training. This partnership aims to uplift the standard of Pakistan’s current institutions. The Centre of Excellence at NSU will cater to the Hotel and Restaurant Industry, Construction, IT, Teachers Training, and Engineering Studies. Similarly, the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management will also see the establishment of a centre in collaboration with Finland.

Madad Ali Sindhi emphasized the role of NSU in Islamabad, which presently offers technical skills to the youth of Pakistan. With the proposed enhancements, the institution aims to evolve into a prominent Skill Learning Centre, preparing both current and prospective Pakistani students for overseas opportunities.

Detailing the ongoing collaboration, Ambassador Ripatti highlighted the vocational trainings already being offered at NUTECH and NUST, facilitated by the government of Finland. Furthermore, two Finnish universities are actively contributing technical and human resources to these Pakistani institutions. Currently, approximately 500 individuals are undergoing training. Notably, with Finland’s assistance, NUTECH has extended its one-year diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management to a three-year program.

Addressing Finland’s commendable literacy rate, Madad Ali Sindhi applauded the Finnish public sector’s commitment to quality education. The minister also shed light on the issue of Out of School Children in Pakistan, deeming it a critical challenge. Ambassador Ripatti shared Finland’s strategies that effectively tackled similar issues, with both leaders concurring on the need to amplify bilateral cooperation in education.

Madad Ali Sindhi emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “Our goal is to lay the foundation in such a way that it can push the future governments to perform at the same level of commitment and devotion to serve the people of our country.”