SAU plans major upgrade of Umerkot campus to boost higher education in Thar

Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has decided to upgrade the infrastructure and academic environment of its Umerkot campus following the formal handover of the Umerkot Public School buildings to the university

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2026) Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has decided to upgrade the infrastructure and academic environment of its Umerkot campus following the formal handover of the Umerkot Public school buildings to the university.

According to the SAU spokesperson, this decision was taken at a high-level academic and administrative meeting held at the university’s committee room on Tuesday, chaired by Vice Chancellor Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal.

The meeting reviewed a range of development initiatives including improvement of electricity and water supply, renovation of existing buildings, provision of agricultural land for students’ practical fieldwork, restoration of smart classrooms, enhancement of hostel facilities, strengthening of the solar energy system and expansion of plantation and landscaping across the campus.

Speaking on the occasion, the SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal said that the uplift of the Umerkot campus reflected the university’s commitment to expanding quality higher education and research opportunities in under-served areas, particularly Thar and adjoining sides. He noted that improved academic facilities and field-based learning would enable students to acquire practical knowledge and skills within their local context.

He further said that the university planned to introduce new academic programs, professional training and research initiatives in key areas such as agriculture, water management and climate resilience to empower the youth of Thar. These measures, he added, would contribute to socio-economic development, job creation and sustainable growth in the region.

During the meeting, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zia-ul-Hassan Shah presented a detailed briefing on the campus, highlighting its challenges, requirements and achievements. He also informed participants about plans to introduce a digital attendance system, promote staff development, organize professional training programs, improve financial management and fundraising, launch new academic departments and further strengthen the examination system.

Participants of the meeting, including Deans Dr Inayatullah Rajper, Dr Aijaz Ali Khooharo, Dr Ghiasuddin Shah Rashidi, Dr Abdul Mubeen Lodhi and Dr Muneer Ahmed Mangrio, Registrar Ghulam Mohiyuddin Qureshi, Director Planning Muhammad Ashraf Rustmani and others also took part in the discussion.

They observed that the Umerkot campus currently had higher student enrollment compared to several other campuses in the country, underscoring its growing importance.