Sindh HEC wraps up impactful nine-day faculty training programme at NIPA

The Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) successfully concluded the fourth phase of its flagship Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, held from May 26 to June 3, 2025, at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Karachi. This extensive nine-day training brought together 40 university faculty members from public and private sector institutions across Sindh, providing them a platform to strengthen their teaching, academic leadership, and curriculum development skills.

The programme was part of Sindh HEC’s ongoing efforts to support professional development in the higher education sector and ensure that university classrooms are equipped with modern, student-centered teaching practices. Participants came from a wide range of academic backgrounds and were fully immersed in a thoughtfully designed training experience led by some of the most respected educationists, trainers, and policy experts in the field.

Over the course of the training, participants explored important themes such as Outcome-Based Education (OBE), curriculum design and mapping, quality assurance mechanisms, effective assessment techniques, and innovations in digital and blended learning. They also engaged in meaningful discussions on academic leadership, ethics in education, inclusive classrooms, and how to foster a stronger research culture at the university level.

Hands-on activities, case-based exercises, and collaborative group work helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. Faculty members learned how to write measurable Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), align them with Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and design better assessments—skills that directly impact student learning and academic performance.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Guest of the event, Prof. Dr. S.M. Tariq Rafi (TI), Chairperson Sindh HEC, expressed appreciation for the energy and enthusiasm shown by the participants. “We’re proud to see such dedication from our university faculty. When teachers grow, institutions grow—and ultimately, our students benefit the most. This is exactly the kind of professional ecosystem Sindh HEC aims to build,” he said. He said that the core purpose of this Training of Trainers (ToT) is to enhance the capacity of our trainers and faculty members. Sindh HEC is committed to improving teaching excellence across the province. We acknowledge that we are not yet where we should be in terms of educational quality, which is why we have been conducting a range of capacity-building programs—not only this Training of Trainers (ToT), but also sessions for Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Directors. The underlying aim is to ensure that those entrusted with the role of administrators and educators possess the skills required to effectively run institutions and train others. No country in the world has advanced or excelled without investing in its human capital. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and those in the Middle East have reached a 100% literacy rate and continue to outperform because of their unwavering focus on education and skill development. During interviews for key academic and administrative positions, we often encounter a concerning gap in necessary skills. The only sustainable solution to this problem is ongoing training. “You are among the fortunate few selected by your Vice Chancellors based on your potential to become master trainers. It is now your responsibility to not only apply the knowledge and skills acquired here at NIPA but also to pass them on—creating a cascading effect across your universities,” he suggested.

At the end of the event, certificates were distributed among the participants. This Training of Trainers (ToT) under Faculty Development Programe reflects Sindh HEC’s broader mission to enhance the academic capacity of universities and empower educators with the knowledge and confidence to lead change from within.