The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) to provide global IT training and certifications to students and faculty members, strengthening the province’s digital skills ecosystem. The agreement was signed by Ahmad Islam Syan, Director of PITB’s Skills Development Wing, and Dr. Aftab Maroof, Rector of FAST-NUCES, at a ceremony attended by officials and academic representatives.
Under the MoU, the PITB’s Global IT Certifications Program will be extended to the university’s faculty and student body, creating opportunities to pursue internationally recognized certifications across a wide range of technology domains. The initiative is structured to eliminate financial barriers: participants who successfully complete certification exams will receive 100 percent fee reimbursement through PITB’s online portal. According to officials, this mechanism ensures accessibility, transparency, and ease for participants, while also removing cost-related hurdles that often prevent aspiring IT professionals from accessing global learning standards.
PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf described the collaboration as a major step toward building a stronger and more competitive talent pool in Pakistan. “By enabling access to international certifications, we are not only strengthening our talent pool but also ensuring that our graduates and professionals can compete and excel on the world stage,” he said. Yousaf emphasized that such initiatives align with Punjab’s long-term vision of empowering its youth through digital education, professional training, and globally benchmarked skills.
The agreement with FAST-NUCES reflects PITB’s growing focus on bridging the skills gap in the IT sector by providing resources that align with global market demands. By offering students exposure to internationally validated courses and certifications, the initiative aims to enhance employability while also building confidence among professionals seeking to establish careers in competitive international markets. Faculty members will also benefit from access to certification pathways, enabling them to stay updated with the latest technological standards and impart advanced knowledge in classrooms.
The Global IT Certifications Program has been designed to cover emerging technologies including cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development, among other areas. With the digital economy evolving rapidly, officials highlighted that training in these disciplines is no longer optional but a necessity for students and professionals aiming to remain relevant in the workforce.
For FAST-NUCES, a leading institution in computer science and engineering education, the partnership with PITB adds value to its academic offerings by equipping students with globally recognized credentials that complement their formal degrees. Rector Dr. Aftab Maroof expressed optimism that the collaboration would open doors for students and faculty alike, making them more competitive in local and international job markets while also raising the university’s academic profile.
The initiative further underscores Punjab’s emphasis on building a knowledge-driven economy by leveraging digital transformation. As Pakistan continues to seek growth in its IT exports and global outsourcing potential, programs like these are viewed as essential steps to develop a workforce capable of delivering services at international standards.
By removing financial barriers, integrating world-class training, and encouraging both students and faculty to pursue certifications, the PITB-FAST-NUCES collaboration is positioned as a model for public-private-academic partnerships in the country. It signals not only the government’s commitment to skills development but also the importance of academia’s role in preparing the next generation of IT professionals.
With the launch of this partnership, Punjab takes another step toward ensuring its youth are equipped with the right skills to drive innovation, enhance employability, and contribute to Pakistan’s standing as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.
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