AI, Curriculum Reform Among Highlights at AIOU Education Conference
— April 9, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The two-day 8th International Conference on “Research and Practices in Education” concluded on Wednesday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), with Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, serving as chief guest at the closing ceremony.
In his address, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad commended AIOU for organising the event and highlighted the importance of the topics discussed during the conference, noting their potential to address contemporary issues and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Discussing artificial intelligence, Dr Mukhtar remarked that Muslims were once pioneers in the field of technology. He stressed the need for constructive contributions in the modern era to avoid falling behind in global progress. He called for collective efforts for the betterment of society and humanity, stating that this is the only path to earning the pride of future generations.
Speaking at the occasion, AIOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood said that the needs of modern life are evolving rapidly, and it is imperative to align education with the demands of the coming decades. He noted that as technology advances, decision-making time is shrinking, making it crucial to adopt effective educational strategies.
Dr Nasir Mahmood urged the academic community to reflect on whether the current curriculum will remain relevant over the next ten years. “If the answer is no, then it is time for deep reflection,” he said. He congratulated the university’s faculty for successfully organising the conference and expressed gratitude to the partner organisations for their support.
Conference Secretary Dr Zafar Iqbal provided a summary of the event, noting that five national and international keynote speakers delivered addresses. He added that the conference featured 156 oral presentations and 16 poster presentations.