IBA Convocation Curtain Raiser 2017

November 14, 2017: The Dean and Director IBA Karachi, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal addressed media personnel on the occasion of ‘Curtain Raiser to the IBA Convocation 2017’, at the IBA City Campus. Associate Deans Dr. Sayeed Ghani & Dr. Mohammad Nishat, Mr. Kamal Siddiqi Director CEJ, Dr. Zeenat Ismail Program Director NTHP, Ms. Malahat Awan Head Alumni Relations, Graduate Placement, Resource Mobilization & External Relations and Dr. Huma Baqai were also present.

Dr. Farrukh Iqbal said that the IBA believes in diversification and welcomes meritorious students from all socio-economic backgrounds. He noted that almost 800 students received financial assistance amounting to more than Rs. 231 million during the last academic year. He also noted that IBA has had a diversity program for more than ten years called the National Talent Hunt Program. This has provided rigorous training to approximately 1000 candidates from underprivileged areas of Pakistan to enable them to enroll in higher education institutions.

Dr. Farrukh Iqbal also highlighted the mandate and activities of the Aman Center for Entrepreneurial Development at IBA. This Center promotes entrepreneurship through training and incubation programs. These programs are aimed at underserved groups as well and are priced accordingly. One program, aimed at women entrepreneurs, won an international prize earlier this year. The Center also hosts around 50 incubatees on its premises and provides a conducive environment for turning ideas into business opportunities.

IBA launched a Centre for Excellence in Journalism three years ago. This Center offers in-service training to working journalists through workshops and seminars and hands-on training at state of the art facilities. About 700 journalists have benefited from the Center’s training programs so far. The Center will start a Master’s program in Journalism in 2018.

The Dean & Director IBA observed that IBA continues to remain a fine business school. The flagship BBA and MBA programs of the Institute remain popular and graduates continue to do well in the job market. Annual surveys of graduates show that 70% get jobs within three months of graduating. They receive attractive salaries. This year’s crop of MBA graduates has received salary offers averaging Rs. 82,000 per month.

Dr. Farrukh Iqbal expressed great optimism for the continued leading role of IBA in higher education in Pakistan. The program ended with an interactive Q&A session.