Tandojam
In a significant achievement for higher education in Sindh, four departments of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam have been granted upgraded rankings by the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) in Islamabad. The recognition follows a detailed evaluation process carried out by NAEAC’s review team, which assessed the academic quality, infrastructure, research, and overall performance of the university’s departments.

A formal ceremony to mark the achievement was held at the University’s Senate Hall, presided over by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal. During the event, Dr. Siyal distributed official accreditation certificates to the heads of the four departments that received upgraded categories.

According to the results of the NAEAC evaluation, the Department of Agronomy achieved a W-3 category with an impressive score of 81.1% under the Bachelor’s degree program. The Institute of Food Sciences and Technology also secured a W-3 category, scoring 80.7%. The Department of Environmental Sciences was placed in the X-1 category with a score of 78.1%, while the Department of Agri-Business Management obtained the X-2 category with 71.6%. Certificates reflecting these new rankings were formally issued by NAEAC to the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal praised the collective efforts of faculty, staff, and students in achieving these milestones. He emphasized that Sindh Agriculture University holds the distinction of being the only agricultural university in Sindh and one of the major institutions of its kind in Pakistan. He noted that in today’s highly competitive world, driven by rapid advancements in information technology, educational institutions must align themselves with international standards to remain relevant and effective.

Dr. Siyal stressed that for Pakistan’s agricultural sector—including crops, livestock, dairy, horticulture, textiles, information technology, and food products—to compete successfully in the global market, the country’s workforce must be well-trained and equipped with modern skills. He described the upgraded rankings as both an acknowledgment of the university’s progress and a reminder of the work still needed to achieve excellence on a global scale.

Addressing the audience, Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), Dr. Saleem Maseeh Bhatti, hailed the achievement as a “milestone in the university’s development journey.” He stated that such recognitions not only validate the hard work of the university community but also serve as motivation to further enhance academic quality, research capacity, and industry linkages.

The event was attended by prominent academic figures, including Dean Dr. Inayatullah Rajper, Dean Dr. Ejaz Ali Khokharo, Dean Dr. Ghiyasuddin Shah, Dean Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Dr. Ejaz Hussain Soomro, Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Soomro, Dr. Atta Shah, and Dr. Nasir Rajput, among others. Their presence reflected the broad-based support and collaborative spirit within the university that contributed to this accomplishment.

Participants at the ceremony agreed that the NAEAC rankings will enhance the credibility of SAU’s degree programs and improve its appeal to prospective students, both nationally and internationally. The recognition is also expected to strengthen the university’s partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions, thereby opening up new opportunities for students in terms of internships, employment, and entrepreneurial ventures.

In closing, Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal reiterated the university’s commitment to continuous improvement in teaching, research, and community outreach. He called on faculty and administrative staff to maintain momentum, adopt innovative teaching methods, and focus on producing graduates capable of addressing the complex challenges facing Pakistan’s agriculture sector in the 21st century.

The upgraded rankings, he said, should not be seen merely as a reward but as a responsibility to sustain and build upon this progress, ensuring that Sindh Agriculture University remains a leader in agricultural education and research in Pakistan.