Head of Department Message

Dr. Saqib Anjum (DEAN)

In the year 2025 beginning the senior administration stepped forward in revamping the General Education Cluster at NUST. Recognising General Education's role in shaping well-rounded graduates, the initiative extends beyond academic competence to instil ethical, moral, and social values—such as character, leadership, justice, rule of law, and tolerance. This aligns with NUST's institutional goal of linking higher education to societal development, producing graduates who embody integrity and service to humanity. The General Education (GE) Department at the Jinnah School of Public Policy and Leadership (JSPPL), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), stands as the cornerstone of holistic student development. Established in July 2025, the department houses four dynamic sub units: The Department of Pakistan Studies, The Department of Islamic Studies, the Career Development Centre, and the Community Engagement Centre. It equips students with a well-rounded perspective rooted in national identity, faith, ethical consciousness, and social responsibility, nurturing visionary leadership that is inclusive, morally grounded, and capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges. Mandate & Policy: The General Education Committee (GEC) was mandated to review and revise the GE curriculum per UGEP 2023. Originally comprising 12 courses (30 credit hours), it was streamlined to six courses in the first phase, balancing national requirements with global best practices. UGEP defines student success holistically, encompassing academic and professional achievement alongside civic responsibility, inclusiveness, and ethical conduct. GE courses empower students to: • Develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective communication. • Engage with diverse disciplines and knowledge approaches. • Build professional, personal, civic, and ethical competencies. • Thus, General Education forms the intellectual foundation of the undergraduate experience, complementing discipline-specific training with broad human development. Why General Education Matters: In the 21st century, success demands more than technical expertise—it requires the 16 essential skills outlined by the World Economic Forum, from analytical thinking and collaboration to leadership and emotional intelligence. Nationally, models like the Centre for Advanced Education (CAE) showcase best practices through dedicated character and leadership programs, holistic departments, and blended credited/non-credited modules. Internationally, GE represents a structured journey building personal, interpersonal, teamwork, and organizational competencies. At NUST and JSPPL, desired outcomes include leaders of character who merge knowledge with moral responsibility, professional excellence grounded in ethics, and robust communication/teamwork skills for diverse leadership roles.