It can offer the youth of Shikarpur something they urgently need: hope, opportunity, and a reason to build their future at home.

• The future of Shaikh Ayaz University should therefore be linked not only with academic achievement but also with innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and employment generation. If this vision is pursued with commitment and foresight, the university can become one of the most important institutions for regional development in Upper Sindh.

Nuzair Ahmed Jamro

The establishment of Shaikh Ayaz University was a landmark achievement for Shikarpur. For decades, students from the district had to travel to distant cities in pursuit of higher education. The creation of a university in their own district brought new hope to thousands of young people and their families. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, universities are expected to do more than award degrees. They must also prepare students for employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

This reality is particularly important for Shikarpur, where unemployment among educated youth continues to be a growing concern. Every year, a large number of graduates complete their studies, yet many struggle to find suitable employment opportunities. As a result, talented young people often migrate to Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, and Islamabad in search of better prospects. This loss of human capital not only affects families but also slows the district’s social and economic development.

The challenge, therefore, is not merely to produce graduates but to create pathways that connect education with economic opportunity. In this regard, Shaikh Ayaz University can play a transformative role.

Around the world, modern universities have evolved into centers of innovation and economic growth. They support research, encourage entrepreneurship, provide career guidance, and equip students with practical skills required by contemporary job markets. Pakistan’s leading universities have increasingly adopted this approach, demonstrating that higher education can directly contribute to employment generation and regional development.

A useful example can be found in Sukkur. Over the years, Sukkur has emerged as an educational hub for Upper Sindh, with its institutions providing students access to modern learning facilities, digital resources, and research opportunities. The library system of Sukkur IBA University, in particular, offers valuable lessons. Rather than functioning solely as a traditional reading space, it has become a center for learning, research, and academic engagement. Students benefit from digital databases, computer facilities, research support services, and collaborative learning environments.

Shaikh Ayaz University can adopt a similar vision by gradually transforming its existing library into a modern knowledge and innovation center. Such a facility would not require a complete overhaul overnight. Instead, it could be developed in phases through strategic investments and partnerships. High-speed internet, digital learning resources, online journals, computer laboratories, and collaborative study spaces could significantly enhance the educational experience of students.

More importantly, the library could become a platform for skill development and employment preparation. Dedicated sections for digital learning, freelancing, and professional certification could help students acquire practical skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, digital marketing, graphic design, software development, and content creation. In an era where remote work is becoming increasingly common, such initiatives could allow young people in Shikarpur to compete in national and international markets without leaving their hometown.

The university can also contribute to employment generation by promoting entrepreneurship. Across Pakistan, many young graduates have successfully established startups, online businesses, consultancy firms, and technology ventures. A business incubation center at Shaikh Ayaz University could provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Such initiatives would encourage young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Research represents another area with significant potential. Shikarpur faces numerous challenges related to agriculture, water management, urban development, education, and climate resilience. A dedicated research center within the university could produce evidence-based solutions to local problems while creating opportunities for researchers, analysts, and students. In this way, the university would contribute not only to academic advancement but also to informed policymaking and sustainable development.

The agricultural economy of the district also offers untapped opportunities. Agriculture remains the backbone of Shikarpur economy, yet limited value addition means that much of the economic benefit is lost before products reach larger markets. The university can play an important role by supporting research and innovation in food processing, packaging, storage, and agribusiness management. Such efforts could strengthen local industries and generate employment opportunities for educated youth.

Equally important is the role of elected representatives and policymakers. Investments in educational infrastructure should increasingly focus on innovation, digital learning, and skills development. Support from parliamentarians, provincial legislators, and local government representatives can help secure the resources needed to modernize facilities and launch new initiatives. Strong collaboration between government institutions and the university would significantly enhance the prospects for success.

Shikarpur possesses no shortage of talent. Its students have consistently demonstrated their ability to excel when provided with opportunities. What is needed now is a broader vision that views higher education as a driver of economic development rather than merely a pathway to degrees.

The future of Shaikh Ayaz University should therefore be linked not only with academic achievement but also with innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and employment generation. If this vision is pursued with commitment and foresight, the university can become one of the most important institutions for regional development in Upper Sindh. More importantly, it can offer the youth of Shikarpur something they urgently need: hope, opportunity, and a reason to build their future at home.

Read: A Medical Tower to Heal Sindh

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Hailing from Shikarpur, Nuzair Ahmed Jamro, is a Civil Servant and Research Fellow in Public Administration. He can be reached at: najamro@gmail.com

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