Pakistan’s public and private sector universities convened at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to celebrate the International Day of Education 2025. The event also marked the culmination of NUST’s ConnectEd training, titled “Online Education Excellence Program (Batch 3),” which drew participants nationwide. This gathering was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the unifying power of education in addressing contemporary challenges.
Among the notable institutions represented were the recently upgraded Institute of Southern Punjab to the status of university, the National Skills University Islamabad, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad, and NUST’s own College of Aeronautical Engineering and College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
This year’s International Day of Education theme, “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” resonated deeply with the attendees learning from the NUST ConnecEd training. Participants of the Online Education Excellence Program pledged to uphold the principles of human agency, ensuring that individuals retain their autonomy, creativity, and critical thinking while integrating AI as a supportive tool rather than a dominating force.
By emphasizing the capacity for independent action and decision-making, NUST’s ConnectEd program highlights the importance of education tailored to individual needs and aspirations. As Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, a program participant, observed, “The training modules reflect a commitment to human agency and the right to education by personal will. Well-structured online programs align seamlessly with the Higher Education Commission’s Online Distance Education Policy.”
With the growing influence of AI, the program also addressed pressing issues such as safeguarding educational content and combating AI-driven challenges like deepfakes and psychological manipulation. Wing Commander Dr. Taimur of NUST’s College of Aeronautical Engineering described this course as vital in countering these threats. “This training equips us to tackle the ethical dilemmas and vulnerabilities introduced by AI,” he remarked, extending gratitude to the training team for their forward-thinking approach.
The event concluded with a note of optimism and unity. Dr. Awais Kamboh, Dean of the National Center for Learning at NUST, commended the participants for their dedication and congratulated them on receiving their certificates. “Your commitment to educational excellence on this International Day of Education 2025 reflects our collective responsibility to shape a future where technology empowers, rather than overpowers, human potential,” he said.
