AMU VC seeks tie-ups with Saudi universities

Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameeruddin Shah is looking forward to liaising with high-ranking Saudi universities in his quest to fulfill the aspiration of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Speaking at a function to mark the Sir Syed Day celebrations in Riyadh on Sunday, Shah spoke of his vision for the year 2020, the year when AMU will complete 100 years.
The vision aims at taking the university to the No. 1 position among Indian institutions of higher learning by 2017 and among the top 200 universities in the world by 2020.
The vice chancellor called on the alumni to come forward to cooperate with their alma mater in its quest for excellence.
He highlighted the need for major reforms to improve infrastructure, quality of education, student housing, research and development, which he described as the lifeline of a great university.
Shah sought financial assistance from alumni all over the world to help transform AMU into a world class institution.
“A good university is known for its quality of higher learning and we must spearhead research in multiple fields to produce good academicians and scholars in the country,” he said. He said issues concerning non-resident Indian (NRI) students were under serious consideration.
The AMU website, which is a window to interact with the competitive world in general and communicate with alumni in particular, has been re-developed. The professional website would solve issues concerning NRIs.
The guest of honor, Islam Habib Khan, a 1951 commerce graduate from AMU and a senior financial adviser at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, praised the vice chancellor for his efforts in making the university a center of excellence.
Habib Khan, who also released an AMU alumni directory along with Shah, urged alumni to come forward and help in the mission.
AMU Riyadh Alumni Association President Mohammad Ahmad Badshah delivered the welcome address and Vice President Naseem Akhtar proposed a vote of thanks. The program was moderated by its general secretary, Taqiuddin Mir.
The Sir Syed memorial inter-school essay writing competition was also held on the occasion.