Islamabad, October 29 (DNA). Allama Iqbal Open University and Ufone signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here at the main campus of the university.

According to the agreement, Ufone will provide data bundles to AIOU’s students and tutors on subsidized rates. Furthermore, as per the MoU students will pay zero charges while using Ufone’s Ubanking facility for depositing their admission fee, and other dues.

Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Dean Faculty of Education chaired the session. Professors, principal officers of the university, and senior management staff of the Ufone participated in the MoU signing ceremony. Sohail Nazir Rana, Registrar AIOU, and Atif Ishaq, General Manager Ufone signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Atif  Ishaq appreciated the role of AIOU in promotion of education. He said that AIOU is one of those national institutions of the country which contribute tremendously to building the nation. He further said , “by imparting education to the poor and disadvantageous class of the country, Allama Iqbal Open  University is abridging the gap between various social strata of the society”.

Ajmal Farooq, Director ICT, AIOU briefed the participants about the ongoing automation and digitalization process of the university. He said that AIOU was converting all its academic and administrative operations and procedures from manual to digital. He termed the agreement as a landmark achievement in facilitating the students to participate in online academic activities. He said as per the agreement those students who would use Ufone banking facility for admission fee and other dues would not be charged for any extra amount other than their actual dues.

While speaking on this occasion Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmmod said, “AIOU is imparting low cost education to almost 1.4 million students and by joining hands with Ufone and other telecom companies AIOU would be able to improve its reach and accessibility”.

Director Regional Services, Inama Ullah Shaikh, and Treasurer of AIOU, Dr. Aamer Shah, and Prof. also spoke on this occasion and termed the agreement as beneficial for both the parties.