OKARA: The University of Okara hosted a two-day International Conference on Educational Research & Assessment-2025 (ICERA-2025), presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Sajjad Mubin.

The event featured global speakers, including Dr Zainun Binti Mustafa from Malaysia, Dr Muhammad Naveed Khalid from the United Kingdom, Dr Ekateria Gavrishyk from Russia, and Dr Priscilla Bahaw from the West Indies.

Among the local speakers were Prof Dr Munawar Sultana Mirza, former VC of the University of Education, Prof Dr Naseer Ud Din, VC of the University of Kohat, Prof Dr Shahid Farooq from the University of the Punjab, Dr Ayesha Chaudhry from Government College University Faisalabad, Prof Dr Hafiz Ather Khan from Islamia University Bahawalpur and Prof Dr Ahmad Hussain from Suffa University Karachi.

In the opening session, Prof Mubin highlighted the role of education in socio-economic development and called for policy reforms in the education sector. He said that education remains the prime responsibility of the public sector. He said an inclusive education system, curriculum development, and teachers’ training to produce skilled graduates were the need of hour.

Conference Secretary Dr Farooqi outlined the event’s objectives and themes while spotlighting key interventions and achievements of DERA.

Prof Mirza discussed the role of education in social justice, presenting the concepts of equality and equity within academia. She called for a uniform education policy in Pakistan and urged faculty and students to contribute towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Zainun spoke on South East Asian perspectives on educational research and assessment, highlighting the colonial influences on the region’s education system.

During the closing ceremony, speakers shared valuable insights on educational research and assessment, encouraging students to use the conference for networking and collaboration. A total of 64 research papers were presented at the conference.

The event also featured a Qawwali Night, providing participants with an opportunity for informal interaction.

Prof Mubin, alongside Dr Farooqi, distributed shields and certificates among keynote speakers and paper presenters.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025