LUMS Vice Chancellor Gives Interview to Local TV Channel Regarding ‘Asia University Rankings 2021’
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“We welcome rankings when they come, but they are not our primary motive,” expresses Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor LUMS, during an interview on the local TV channel, AAJ News. The news segment was focused on the recently announced Asia University Rankings 2021 by the Times Higher Education (THE), which featured 16 Pakistani universities, including LUMS. Dr. Ahmad was invited by the channel for a discussion on the accomplishment.
Dr. Ahmad extended his congratulations to all the institutes that had made it to the list. He then emphasised how rewarding the experience of dispersing education is, irrespective of the rankings. He stated that each faculty member at the University teaches innumerable students, out of which if even a few write to them later, on how LUMS or the faculty impacted them in some way, it is very rewarding. “It shows us that the work we are doing is meaningful; and if we can change their lives, then we are certainly doing something right.” Dr. Ahmad then expressed his gratitude and honour that LUMS had passed the strict criteria set by THE and had been chosen among the finest institutions in Asia.
The 2021 Asia University Rankings reveal the best colleges and universities in the continent, featuring institutions from 30 territories. THE Rankings use 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators, designed to provide the most comprehensive comparisons, and reflect the priorities of Asian institutions. The performance indicators are grouped into five broad areas, including teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.
Among the various aspects of the criteria the Rankings are based on, an important one is a balanced gender ratio. Dr. Ahmad talked about how over 40% of the student body at LUMS is female; a ratio that is gradually becoming more balanced in the educational institutions of Pakistan. “At LUMS, we promote gender balance not only in our students but in our faculty and senior administration as well,” stated Dr. Ahmad, as he congratulated the women occupying the various leadership roles at the University.
Highlighting the diversity at LUMS, Dr. Ahmad then emphasised the ‘no borders’ agenda of the University. The goal is to make quality education accessible for all the students who deserve it, regardless of their socio-economic background. “We make sure that talented students are never excluded,” he expressed.
At the end of the interview, Dr. Ahmad stated that a university should be run based on its predefined core values and goals. If a university sticks to its principles, rankings will undoubtedly follow.
To watch the complete interview, click here.
