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Press Release

19 December 2005
Bradford establishes education links between east and west

The University of Bradford will boost higher education in Pakistan thanks to links established by its new Chancellor, Imran Khan.

Namal College, in the Mianwali District of Pakistan, has become an Associate College of the University, and is being developed by the Mianwali Development Trust (MDT). As well as being the University’s Chancellor, Imran Khan is also Chairman of the MDT and a Member of Parliament for the District.

University Vice-Chancellor Chris Taylor, Chancellor Imran Khan and University Registrar Nick Andrew.

The first phase of College buildings will be completed for the admission of students in September 2006.

Professor Jeff Lucas, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford with responsibility for strategic partnerships said: “We are delighted that Namal College has become an Associate College of the University.

"It is very exciting to be involved at such an early stage of the development of the College, and we are now starting work on a five-year plan.

"The University will be involved in the design and the development of the curriculum, along with shaping the academic plan to meet the needs of the Mianwali District. We hope this development will enhance the opportunities open to young people after leaving school."

Announcing this development at a press conference in Pakistan on Friday 16 December 2005 Imran Khan said: "Given the lack of adequate and proper technical training, the proposed college will contribute enormously to skill development in the entire country. Over the long term, we will draw students from across the whole of Pakistan."

The first phase of development will focus on establishing specific subject areas in automotive engineering, information technology and the construction industries, with possibilities of Teacher Training and health in phase II.

A key focus will be the initial training and continuing development of staff at Namal College with the University of Bradford - who will support the programme. The University will provide appropriate advice on curriculum, quality assurance, student support matters and administration.

The University of Bradford currently has a number of partnership arrangements with educational institutions around the world, but this is the first such college partnership with Pakistan.

Notes to Editors

University of Bradford currently has:

• Around 10,000 students
• Of which, over 30 per cent are of Pakistani ethnicity
• This year (2005/06), 160 international students from Pakistan are studying at the University, a rise of 20 per cent on last year

The Mianwali District

The Mianwali District is home to a population of almost one million. It is a disadvantage area with little industry, poor educational opportunities and outcomes, and high unemployment.

The main economic activities are mining, agriculture and transport.

Imran Khan

For more information about Imran Khan and his Chancellorship of the University of Bradford, visit: www.bradford.ac.uk/chancellor

19 December 2005