Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri on Tuesday warmly welcomed newly admitted students to the University of Sindh, urging them to enjoy campus life while remaining committed to academic excellence and hard work.

He said this while addressing the orientation programme organized by the Bureau of Students’ Tutorial, Guidance/Counseling Services and Co-curricular Activities (STAGS) for the fresh batch 2026 students at main auditorium of Benazir Convention Centre, VC Dr Fateh Marri said that only around 10 per cent of young people of university-going age across the country managed to secure admission to higher education institutions. The event was attended by faculty members, administrative officers and a large number of students.

The vice-chancellor said that the admission of girls in higher education remained critically low, noting that barely two per cent of girls were able to reach universities each year. “Those girls who have sought admission to the University of Sindh are especially fortunate,” he remarked.

“You are among the fortunate few,” he told the students and added that the rest 90 per cent were deprived of such opportunities due to limited capacity and resources.

Highlighting the historical importance of the institution, he said that after the University of the Punjab, the University of Sindh was the country’s oldest and largest public sector university.

He said that the speakers at the orientation had discussed both students’ rights and responsibilities but he added that while the university would provide facilities and services, it was the students’ obligation to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

“You will be provided scholarships and facilities including classrooms, laboratories, library services, sports amenities, hostels and other support on campus,” he said and added that the administration and faculty expected dedication and hard work in return.

Advising students to strike a healthy balance, Dr Marri said that they should enjoy their four years on the campus, build friendships and experience campus life, but never lose focus on their studies.

He categorically warned that a minimum of 75 per cent attendance was mandatory for eligibility to sit in semester examinations and that students with short attendance would be disqualified.

Referring to recent developments, he said that the university had formally announced its Alumni Association, with participation from the last 49 batches, calling it a major milestone for strengthening alumni-university linkages.

He urged students to understand their disciplines deeply, develop professional competence, acquire practical skills and adopt a cultured way of life. “Our civilization traces back to Mohenjo Daro; it is rich and cultured. We must respect one another, uphold our social values and make hard work a lifelong habit,” he said.

Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon informed the students that the university was offering a range of scholarships to ease their financial burden.

He said the boys’ hostels had a capacity of around 5,000 students, while girls’ dormitories could accommodate about 3,000 students and added that the administration was striving to further improve facilities.

Director Information Technology Services Centre Dr Kamran Dahri briefed the students on IT-related services, including the development of student e-portals, online result publication and digital challan systems.

He added that the university was working towards expanding Wi-Fi coverage across the campus and introducing more online academic and administrative services to enhance transparency and ease for students.

Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Nanak Ram said that the university was committed to providing an enabling academic environment.

He highlighted access to well-equipped libraries, opportunities for research and fieldwork and the availability of experienced faculty to guide students academically and professionally.

He also encouraged students to actively participate in co-curricular activities to develop leadership and communication skills.

Mr Qamar Nangraj of Students’ Financial Aid Office briefed the students on various scholarship schemes and explained the criteria and process for availing them, encouraging deserving students to apply in time.

Chairperson Anti-Harassment Committee Prof Dr Naseem Aslam Channa apprised the students of the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.

She warned that anyone found involved in such activities would face strict action, including expulsion and would not be awarded a degree.

The event concluded with musical performances, where young singer Faraz Bhalai and others entertained the audience, which added a lively note to the orientation programme.