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National Skills University
(NSU)

UNEVOC Centre (Uni/Research) since 1995

Introduction

The National Skills University Islamabad is the first public sector university in Pakistan established on the premises of fast job transformation challenges associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This higher education institute differs from the conventional higher education institutes by paying more attention to inculcating job-ready skills among learners besides their cognitive development. Graduates of this university are expected to have ample knowledge of workplaces in their field of specializations due to its pedagogical practices focusing more on discipline-specific practical experience. This will involve both training in the university laboratories as well as working in the field with industrial collaborators of this institution through Co-op programs.

Brief History of National Skills University:

The Federal Government established the National Technical Teachers’ Training College (NTTTC) in 1985 under ADB assisted Technical Education Project for quantitative and qualitative improvement of Technical Education in the country. Similarly, the Federal Government established an Institute for Promotion of Science Education and Training (IPSET) in 1989 for qualitative improvement of Science Education in the country.

Later, in 1997 the Federal Government merged NTTTC and IPSET and renamed it as the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE) and declared it as Subordinate office of the then Ministry of Education.

In 2010, after the 18th amendment in the Constitution, the Federal Government decided to upgrade NISTE into Degree Awarding Institute (DAI) to offer various undergraduate and graduate-level engineering technologies programs to meet the requirement of the industry of the country.

In the light of international and particularly the regional trends, the Government decided to upgrade NISTE into National Skills University (NSU) to meet the technical human resources requirements of industry and other sectors of the economy.

The Parliament of Pakistan approved the Act to Upgrade NISTE into National Skills University, Islamabad on March 07, 2018, and subsequently the President of Pakistan approved NSU Charter on March 12, 2018.

The main objective of establishing the first-ever National Skill University is to produce a substantial number of high-quality graduate and post-graduate technologists professional in a variety of current disciplines to meet the national demands.

Mission

The Mission of the National Skills University is to produce graduates having pertinent skills and aptitudes necessary for workplaces assimilating modern technological advancements. The digital skills village component of this institution is unique in preserving the indigenous skills and their popularization through information communication technologies.

VISION

The National Skills University will be an institution of contemporary skills- based education, producing highly competent graduates meeting the exceptional demands of employers’ needs nationally and internationally. Besides skills training, we aim to empower working professionals through reskilling and upskilling.

Objectives

i. To produce a substantial number of high quality graduate and post graduate technologists professional in a variety of current disciplines to meet the national demands of industrial progress and self-reliance.

ii. To make significant contribution in the field of technology development by giving impetus to promotion of higher diplomas and degrees in technology education. There by providing the much needed interface between the skilled technicians and the design engineers.

iii. To train teachers who will form the backbone of experts in reviving educational excellence, promote institutional management, become educational policy planners and improve current educational teaching and learning materials to meet national requirements.

iv. To conduct research and development on important technological and academic issues and provide support to the local industrial and other Government organizations.

v. To promote knowledge based environment to support the economic projections of the country.

vi. To help speedy attainment of national capability in newly emerging fields of engineering sciences including management and technology by coordinating. Guiding and providing facilities for applied research, in highly scientific and technological areas of national interest.

vii. To provide a forum for exchange of knowledge amongst the elite from the world of science, engineering and technology, both within and outside Pakistan.

viii. To help the industries through following consultancy services.

a) Solutions to problems of industry.

b) Up-gradation of' technology.

c) Professional development through workshops/ seminars/ short courses.

d) Self-reliance in design and manufacturing through indigenous research and development.

e) Selection of equipment.

f) Technical vetting of contracts for procurement.

g) Software development.

h) Technology absorption and effective utilization of equipment during service life.

ix. University will help in preparing national curriculum for Technical Education at various levels.

x. University will act in teacher's training for capacity building and their skill upgrading through the following programs:

a. Training for science and technology teachers from all over the country as per the requirements specified fields.

b. Higher level training for newly inducted graduate and post graduate; doctoral faculty of different professional institutions in pedagogy as well as institutional management.

c. Training program in curriculum development and other aspects (Teaching and Learning Resources).

d. Evolve and conduct a Staff Course for senior teachers, as per the requirements of educational institutions.

Regular tasks

NSU is going to start 4-Year BS Engineering Technology program from Fall 2020 in five technologies. Moreover, NSU will also offers various skills training programs and short-term courses for In-service TVET Teachers as well as industrial apprentices.

Focus and interest