Pakistan: UPM team meets UVAS vice chancellor

RECORDER REPORT LAHORE  (January 08, 2011) : A seven-member delegation from University of Putra, Malaysia, (UPM) on Friday called on the Vice-Chancellor of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz and discussed prospects of both universities’ mutual co-operation. He also discussed the as ways and means to enhance the quality of education and research collaboration in the field of veterinary sciences especially, Halal products.

The delegation led by Halal Industry Development Corporation chairman and former minister Dr Syed Jalaluddin Salim held discussion with Pakistani academia and veterinarians to strengthen joint collaboration in the field of research, education and scientific development for the benefit of livestock sector in Pakistan. At a meeting with VC and all faculties’ deans and directors, Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz briefed the delegation about academics, research, and extension activities of the university.

Dr Salim acknowledged that the UVAS was among the top five universities in research publications in Pakistan. He stressed that the university should develop quality of leadership among novice students. He said that both universities could work together to develop fertile relations between both Muslim countries in the field of scientific research and share benefits.

He said that signing a MoU with UVAS would be a good initiative to develop institutional linkages and improve academic environment at par with international standards. Earlier, the Malaysian delegation visited UVAS Ravi Campus and DRI Buffalo Research Institute (BRI). The delegation members took keen interest in UVAS Best Breed Animal Shed including Neeli Ravi Buffalo, Sahiwal Cow, Bital Goat and Lohi Sheep.

BRI chief research officer Muhammad Hanif Khan gave presentation about buffalo research-based improvement. The delegation members were: UPM deputy vice-chancellor (Academics) Professor Aine Aderis, faculty of veterinary medicine dean Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad Dateh Muhammad, varsity’s Halal Products Research Institute director Professor Dr Yaakob Bin Cheman; UPM ex-VC Professor Mustafa R Mustapha R Abdullah, Halal Industry CEO Y. Bhg Dado Seri Jamil and DVM faculty member Professor Abdul Aziz Bin Saharee.

Professor Nawaz presented university souvenirs to all the Malaysian delegates. The UVAS and the UPM will sign a formal MoU for research collaboration as well as Halal products exchange expertise besides exchange of faculty and students between the two varsities on Saturday (today) in the presence of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.