The Journey of the Islamia University Bahawalpur Towards Becoming an Entrepreneurial University

The unemployment rate in Pakistan is approaching 5%. In 2017, an estimated 3.79 million people were unemployed, and according to a recent report circulating on social media, more than 4,000 PhD holders are currently without jobs. This is a worrying indicator. If immediate steps are not taken, the economic crisis Pakistan is already facing will worsen, and there is even the risk of societal unrest. According to economic experts, entrepreneurship is the need of the hour and the most effective way to overcome this crisis. We must encourage the youth to engage in entrepreneurship and create a system that allows them to start their businesses. Instead of seeking jobs, they should become job creators. Practical steps toward fostering entrepreneurship are critical.

In recent years, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) has taken several notable initiatives, these steps are not only commendable but also serve as an inspiration for other universities. The Islamia University Bahawalpur has established the Department of Entrepreneurship, becoming the first university in Pakistan to officially set up such a department. Under this department, a four-year BS Entrepreneurship and Innovation degree program, BS Digital Entrepreneurship and Business Management, and an MBA program with a specialization in entrepreneurship are being offered. These unique programs provide students with both classroom learning and practical training, with the aim that they start their businesses or at least support themselves through freelancing before completing their degrees.

Inclusion of Entrepreneurship in All BS Programs:

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has recommended that all universities include entrepreneurship as a mandatory subject in their BS programs. It's worth noting that IUB was ahead of the curve, incorporating entrepreneurship as a compulsory subject in the scheme of studies for almost all BS programs. The university has recently launched a Pedagogy Teacher Training program, where faculty members are trained on how to effectively teach entrepreneurship. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Entrepreneurship and the Executive Training Centre, starting with a special focus on training the faculty.

Establishment of the IUB Entrepreneurship Society:

The IUB Entrepreneurship Society is one of the most active student societies at the university. Students from various departments, including Management Sciences, Law, Geography, Agriculture, and Mathematics, are members and office-bearers of the society. They are making concerted efforts to promote an entrepreneurial culture and ecosystem within the university. The society organizes events where business professionals and industry representatives actively participate, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Recently, the largest expo in the university’s history was organized, with over 100 small and medium-sized enterprises showcasing their products and services, with half of them being owned by current students and alumni of the university.

Activation of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC):

Thanks to the active efforts of ORIC, IUB has earned the status of a fourth-generation university and is making strides toward even greater success. Faculty members and research students are encouraged to work on projects that not only attract international funding but also lead to commercial success within the country. One notable example is the development of a cotton variety, which is now being marketed in collaboration with a company, and the university is benefiting financially from this venture. Other successful projects include intercropping techniques for maize and soybeans and artificial rain technology.

Regular Training Workshops on Entrepreneurship:

Since the establishment of the Executive Training Centre (ETC), IUB has been regularly conducting training workshops on various entrepreneurship topics. Some of these workshops have been held in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). The purpose of the ETC is to design and conduct regular training sessions for various topics, not just for university students but also for external organizations such as DHA Bahawalpur, NRSP Bank, NADRA, and WAPDA.

Establishment of the Business Incubation Centre (BIC):

IUB is the first educational institution in South Punjab to establish a Business Incubation Centre (BIC), which is playing a crucial role in nurturing business ideas. Currently, over 15 student business ideas are being incubated, with comprehensive support provided to help students successfully start their ventures. At the end of this year, the university will be organizing the Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YES), the largest business plan competition in South Punjab, where over 100 teams from across Pakistan will present their business ideas and prototypes to investors and judges. Participants will have the chance to win cash prizes of up to 500,000 PKR.

Collaboration with PITB for Plan 9 and e-Rozgaar Centers:

In collaboration with the Punjab IT Board (PITB), IUB has established Plan 9 and e-Rozgaar Centers. This is a remarkable initiative that promotes IT and technology-driven business ideas, enabling students to harness the power of technology to create successful businesses.

National and International Competitions and Conferences:

Over the past few years, IUB has organized numerous successful programs, seminars, and conferences, many of which have focused on entrepreneurship and business development. Events like the Business City Expo, Shark Tank IUB, Young Entrepreneurship Summit, and workshops on women and social entrepreneurship have helped foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students. The university has also hosted international conferences on entrepreneurship.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Various Organizations:

To further promote entrepreneurship, IUB has signed several MOUs with various national and international organizations, including the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bahawalpur (WCCIB), State Bank of Pakistan, SMEDA, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and other industry and academic institutions. These collaborations aim to promote an entrepreneurial culture and create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Participation in National and International Competitions:

It's a matter of pride that IUB students and faculty are actively participating in national and international entrepreneurship competitions, achieving remarkable successes. Recently, students from the Faculty of Management Sciences secured the first position in the National Business Idea Bank competition and received awards from the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Moreover, IUB students won an international competition in Singapore.

All these efforts are proof that IUB is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial culture and ecosystem. Now, the next step should be for IUB to be officially recognized as an Entrepreneurial University, with the creation of a consortium involving other universities, industry partners, and government bodies working together to establish small business hubs around Bahawalpur, where young entrepreneurs can set up factories and start their businesses.