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Thursday, March 6, 2025

New AMUOBA President Vows to Revive Association's Credibility, Focus on Modern Education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Mohammed Akbar Ali Khan, the newly-elected President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), has pledged to restore the association's past glory and implement modern educational reforms.

In his inaugural address during the first meeting after his election, Khan, speaking to members of the Pakistan News & Features Services, described his victory as a "momentous occasion" and committed to upholding the association's rich history and traditions. "Our mission is not only to revive its past credibility but also conceive new ideas for its future role," he declared.

Khan emphasized the need for educational reforms to address contemporary challenges, outlining plans for curriculum changes and the integration of modern teaching practices. "I promise to adopt modern day teaching practices by adopting modern technology and thus promote the creative talents of our youth by focusing mainly on research," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of fostering international cooperation to enhance research activities.

Jaffar Nazir Usmani, the AMUOBA’s General Secretary, echoed Khan's commitment, pledging to utilize his abilities to fulfill the promises made and prioritize their implementation. "The time has come to move forward with new determination and ensure bringing positive changes by promoting mutual cooperation," he said.

Erum Akbar, another key figure in the association, attributed their electoral success to teamwork and stressed the importance of continued collaboration. She also addressed past grievances, notably the revocation of Akbar Ali Khan's membership, vowing that "no injustice will be allowed to be done to anyone and all decisions would be taken purely on performance and merit."


Engr Adil Usman, former AMUOBA President and SSUET Chancellor, expressed hope for improved management of associate institutions and the continued advancement of the late Zakir Ali Khan’s mission.

Noted Aligarhian and poet Tariq Sabzwari criticized the past decade for deviating from Aligarh's traditional culture, introducing "self-centered objectives." He acknowledged that reversing this mismanagement would require time.


Members of AMUOBA engaged in open discussions, proposing both short-term and long-term strategies, emphasizing the integration of technologies with current market value. They highlighted the dawn of a "new era" for AMUOBA and SSUET, stressing the importance of strengthening ties between industry and academia.

Notably, some members expressed surprise at their inclusion in the AMUOBA, indicating potential gaps in communication. The meeting was also attended by prominent figures, including Farrukh Nizami, son of SSUET’s founder Engr Z.A Nizami, and Engr Adil Usman.