pakistani universities (AIOU)

Allama Iqbal Open University was established under an act of Parliament in 1974 being the pioneer in non-formal and distance education in Pakistan because of its approach, philosophy, system, functions and overall structure. It was then the second Open University of the world, the first such University was established in UK in 1969. Now AIOU is among the list of 17-Mega Universities of the world and provides an opportunity to working people to enhance their qualification without giving up their jobs or place of living. In Pakistan distance education is particularly suited to the female population as it offers them an opportunity to study at homes. Similarly, people living in the tribal and far-flung areas where the formal education system has not reached as yet, also get an opportunity to be educated. In this University, the period for completing their certificates and degrees is linked with students’ own pace and convenience. The AIOU has been utilizing all possible media for instruction including; correspondence materials, Radio and TV, Satellite Transmission, Online Teaching, Non-broadcast media, Tutorial instruction and Group training workshops etc.
The AIOU started functioning with 5 courses and less than one thousand enrolment in 1975-76, which has over the past years expanded in all directions. At present the total numbers of programmes produced are 116, and courses are 1377. In the year 2007-08, Student Enrolment reached to 1,031,951 and Course enrolment to 2,982,420, out of which the females’ participation rate has been 51%. Presently four faculties with 36 academic departments and Institute of Mass Education are offering a wide range of courses from Functional Non-Credit to M.Phil/Ph.D level. At present the university offers 19 Ph.D Courses, 192 M.Phil/MS, 516 Masters level, 67 Teachers Education, 282 Bachelor/Diploma, 80 Higher Secondary School, 30 Secondary School, 12 Women Middle Education, and 114 Functional Non-Credit/Women Basic Education courses.
The University sent on air 264 radio and 382 T.V programmes in 2005-06. Recently the Univerdity has started to broadcast educational programmes on FM Radio at 91.6 MHz. Now the University has established a Video Conferencing Network in seven selective regions to conduct classes online for Computer Science courses. Regional network, at present consists of 36 Regional Campuses /Centres with 82 part-time Regional Coordinating Offices throughout the country. The University has by now established 1274 Study Centres yearly in coordination with formal educational institutions and the Study Centres with latest computer/practical/lab facilities for the students studying in the fields of Sciences, Technology and Computer Sciences in collaboration with private institutions of high repute in all major cities of the country as well. The University has more than 65000 registered tutors from which about 58452 part-time tutors have been appointed yearly to guide the students in tutorials and evaluate home assignments. Approximately 950 examination centers are established yearly at Tehsil and District level with coordination of Regional Network to facilitate the students. Up to 2007, 1121382 degrees, diplomas and certificates have been awarded. Presently the sanctioned posts of the University are 1899 including academicians, administrative and servicing/supporting staff. About 1.6 million books besides other allied materials are printed and supplied to the students yearly.. The Central Library of the University is equipped with a collection of over 114000 books.
The Annual Recurring budget of the University for the Year 2007-08 is Rs.1921.848 million, of which the University generates 87% from its own resources. At present the Endowment Fund of the University is estimated at Rs.2.4000 billion.
With its system of reaching the students at their homes or works places and the concept of openness, implying lifelong education, the Allama Iqbal Open University is filling the gaps left by the conventional system and taking education to the area and groups unable to benefit from the formal system of education. As an institution of distance and open learning, AIOU makes a commitment to provide high quality educational programmes to its students. In addition the AIOU endeavors to create an environment suitable for learning.
In recent years, the University programmes have expanded in all directions and still several others are in the process of development to be launched in the forthcoming semesters. The challenge at present for the future of the University is to maintain excellent standard of education by providing high quality tutorial and regional support to the students