Sindh HEC chairman inaugurates Artificial Intelligence Lab at SMIU
The Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Tariq Rafi, along with the Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Computing Lab (AI Lab) at SMIU’s IT Tower on Monday, October 21, 2024. The lab, established with a grant from Sindh HEC under its Laboratory Strengthening Programme, is designed to provide hands-on experience to final-year and postgraduate students at SMIU using the latest AI technologies.
In his speech, Dr. Tariq Rafi emphasized that it is the core responsibility of Sindh HEC to equip universities in Sindh with modern IT facilities. He acknowledged the historical significance of SMIU due to its association with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, stating that Sindh HEC prioritizes the university’s development. He further assured continued support for the expansion of the AI Lab and announced training programs for department heads and deans to enhance their financial and administrative expertise.
Dr. Rafi also highlighted the efforts of the Sindh government, particularly Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in improving higher education in the province. He noted that the Chief Minister is well aware of the challenges faced by higher education institutions and supports Sindh HEC in strengthening their performance and growth.
Acknowledging Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai’s contributions, Dr. Tariq Rafi praised his commitment to the advancement of higher education and commended his leadership in developing SMIU.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai emphasized the growing significance of artificial intelligence, stating that establishing AI labs for academic and research purposes is essential in today’s competitive world. He stressed that AI is transforming industries and that SMIU, recognizing its importance, has taken a step forward in creating this facility for students and faculty.
Dr. Sahrai also expressed gratitude to Dr. Tariq Rafi for his continuous support in strengthening SMIU’s academic, administrative, and research activities. He acknowledged the role of Sindh HEC in advancing higher education and praised Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for increasing the budgets of major universities in Sindh, preventing their closure.
Earlier, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, and Chairperson of the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khuhro, highlighted the importance of the AI Lab and its role in academic and research advancements.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deans Dr. Zahid Ali Channar and Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Advisor on Academics Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, Registrar Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Shaikh, Director of Student Affairs Mr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, department chairpersons, faculty members, administrative heads, and officers. The session was conducted by Syeda Wajiha Naim, Lecturer at the Department of Software Engineering.