In a significant step toward professional development and capacity building, the University of Sindh awarded certificates to the first batch of employees from various departments who successfully completed an English language course organized by the Institute of English Language & Literature (IELL) on Tuesday.

The course was part of an indigenous training program initiated under the vision of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbati, aimed at enhancing the communication skills and overall capacity of non-teaching staff.

A certificate distribution ceremony was held at the conference room of the IELL, where Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbati distributed the certificates among the successful participants.

Addressing the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of continuous learning for staff development and said that the training aligned with his Vision 2025–2030, which focused on strengthening supporting staff through skill enhancement.

“After IT and English, we will now move toward financial management and administrative training modules,” he announced.

He said that enhancing skills in information technology, artificial intelligence, English, management and finance was essential for employees to stay relevant in today’s competitive environment.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for growth; that’s why, the upcoming Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting scheduled for Monday will address staff promotions, including those of Model School teachers,” he added.

Dr. Khoumbati further directed the IELL to design a specialized training module for Model School teachers and urged the Department of Education to collaborate in this initiative.

“We are bringing teachers back to their primary responsibilities of teaching and research, rather than assigning them to other duties,” he stated.

He also shared plans to send mid-level officers to NIPA (National Institute of Public Administration) for advanced training.

SU Registrar professor Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jariko highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s initiative in launching this indigenous training program on language learning.

“The goal was to empower staff in official communication, letter drafting and documentation. This is part of broader capacity-building efforts,” he said, requesting the Vice-Chancellor to expand the program.

Dean Faculty of Arts Dr. Muhammad Khan Sangi stressed the necessity of English and digital tools in today’s academic and professional environment. “If we do not adopt technologies like AI and strengthen our English proficiency, we will be left behind in this fast-evolving global era,” he remarked.

Director IELL Professor Dr. Abdul Fatah Soomro also addressed the participants and underscored the importance of language learning and continuous professional development.

“Training programs like this are vital for improving workplace efficiency and confidence,” he said. “We plan to introduce further modules tailored to departmental needs in the coming months,” he maintained.

The participants Muhammad Usman Khaskheli, Riaz Shah, Ms. Tanzila, Farhan Qabulio and Ahsan Ali also shared their experiences during the course, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to improve their skills in a supportive learning environment.

Among others, Director of the Institute of Commerce & Management Professor Dr. Hakim Ali Mahesar, Dr. Ellahi Bux Gopang and Professor Saeed Ahmed Mangi were also present at the event.