At present Professor Abdul
Waheed Qureshi is Principal of COMMECS Institute of Business Education
(CIBE). This Institute has been established by the old students of
Government Commerce College. Professor Qureshi holds Masters Degree in
English and Philosophy. Prior to joining COMMECS he was Principal of
Government Commerce College, enjoying the distinction of being
Pakistan's pioneer and most prestigious commerce education college.
Professor Qureshi took an early retirement to be the first Principal
of CIBE as back as September 1993. Professor Qureshi has been able to
maintain superb quality of education being imparted at CIBE by
motivating the student to face the ever increasing competition in the
job market. The only evidence of his dedication is that since 1995
CIBE students have been taking top positions in Karachi Board
examinations, with the exception of couple of years. CIBE also claimed
nine out of top ten positions in a year
By SHABBIR H. KAZMI
June 10 - 16, 2002
PAGE:
You took an early retirement to join CIBE, what gave you the courage
to take this bold step?
A. W. Qureshi: You
must be fully aware that COMMECS Institute of Business Education (CIBE)
has been established by old students of Government Commerce College,
particularly those who graduated in year 1977. Initially the
association of graduates was formed to as a forum of old students and
to arrange regular get together. However, later on these boys also
realized that they should establish an educational institution that
can deliver superior quality education in commerce. I was able to read
the level of their commitment and also decided to join them in the
crusade against illiteracy. After nearly a decade of association, I
feel not only proud of the achievements made by CIBE but also being
the pioneer in introducing some non-credit courses, which were later
on declared compulsory by the Board. I would like to bring the
dedication of COMMECS on record. They still devote a great deal of
time and energies, despite their own business and social commitments.
PAGE:
CIBE students have been obtaining the top positions in the Board
examinations which looks a little extraordinary due to deteriorating
education standards in the country. How do you succeed in convincing
the students to spent more time on education?
A. W. Qureshi:
I believe it is a two way traffic. All the students of a particular
batch may not have the same level of inspiration. However, the greater
internation with the faculty, their teaching style and regular
appraisals help in inculcating learning spirit. Once the willingness
is there, the job of faculty becomes easy. The classes are held at
CIBE from 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM. This provides students ample time to
interact with the faculty and also discuss their problems. Our mission
is, "To prepare future leaders of business and society, and
inculcate in them a sense of pride in performance, as well as, a high
level of ethical and moral standards." We just do not help in
acquiring a degree but also create role models and responsible
citizens.
PAGE:
How do you ensure quality education for the students?
A. W. Qureshi:
For providing superior quality education we have first built
purpose-made infrastructure, hired top quality educators, established
library and audio-visual library also. As I have said earlier, from
the day one we have the computer lab. We have been offering non-credit
courses in computer and mathematics. The Board not only appreciated
our efforts but also made this compulsory. I was flattered when our
course outlines were accepted by the Board.
PAGE:
What are the future plans of CIBE?
A. W. Qureshi:
CIBE started with holding classes for intermediate level and later on
introduced BBA programme. Currently CIBE is affiliated with Institute
of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi. We are starting a four-year
BBA programme. After the completion of BBA, students are required to
work for two years in a business entity and then come back for
one-year MBA programme. A number of CIBE graduates are working in MNCs,
TNCs and local blue chip companies at middle management levels. Since
CIBE does not offer MBA programme at present, these boys join the
leading business schools of Pakistan. They often get top positions in
aptitude tests conducted by these business schools.
PAGE:
What is your message for the students?
A. W. Qureshi:
We have almost played our role and the upcoming generations have to
face new challenges. I tell my students to equip themselves with
knowledge for meeting the challenges of the millennium with
confidence, grace and competence. One may get the job on
recommendation, but to remain in job and to go up in hierarchy,
education and dedication to work play the key role. Recommendation
cannot be the replacement for hard work. We are only trying to bring a
quantum change in the mind set of future generation.
|
