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.
