Vice Chancellor's Message

Since February 2023, Dawood University of Engineering & Technology has embarked on a purposeful journey of reform, renewal, and growth.

When I assumed charge, DUET faced financial instability, infrastructural gaps, and challenges in institutional discipline. Alhamdulillah, today the University stands on stronger academic, administrative, financial, and physical foundations.

Financial consolidation has been central to this transformation. Our Endowment Fund now stands at Rs. 1,670 million, providing a substantial foundation for the University's long-term sustainability. From a zero balance, the Pension Fund has grown to Rs. 135 million, strengthening our capacity to meet future retirement obligations. These achievements reflect our commitment to prudent financial management, institutional resilience, and the welfare of our employees.

Our priority was student welfare and the optimal use of resources. The Faculty of Information and Computing Sciences, previously operating in overcrowded conditions, was relocated to the Gulberg site, a formerly dormant school graciously handed over to the University by the Government of Sindh through its Local Government Department. Operational since October 2024, this modern facility now provides a dedicated and improved learning environment.

The Department of Architecture and Planning was also relocated from Iqbal Campus, enabling that historic building to be repurposed into a modern sports complex and much-needed student dormitories.

We launched a university-wide digitalization initiative to move core processes, from admissions to graduation, towards a paperless system. This has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and student services. Simultaneously, extensive renovation of existing buildings and the development of new facilities have given our campuses a renewed and progressive character.

This transformation is gaining national and international recognition. DUET has strengthened its visibility through participation in QS ranking initiatives and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Nationally, our performance is reflected in the Yearly Progress Report, with our score improving from 53% when I assumed charge to 94.3% for 2025-2026.

Most importantly, our academic reforms are yielding results. Student enrolment has increased from 580 to 1,255. In line with national priorities, engineering enrolment has risen from below 60% to 86%. We have expanded capacity in high-demand disciplines, including Industrial Engineering, and launched Information Security Engineering, the first program of its kind in Sindh. At the same time, we have responsibly phased out programs with limited viability. Graduate employability has also shown marked improvement.

Our academic governance has supported these reforms by reviewing admissions policies, program seat allocations, academic calendars, and curricula. The Academic Council has also advanced the inclusion of a three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence course across postgraduate degree programs, reinforcing our commitment to contemporary knowledge and emerging technologies.

To recognize excellence, we instituted the Alumni Excellence Award, Best Department Award, and Academic Achievement Award. We also strengthened appreciation of our administrative and non-teaching colleagues through an annual Administrative Staff Dinner and the Best Employee of the Year Award.

Campus life has been revitalized through Student Week each semester. We also take pride in hosting three consecutive and memorable convocations, acknowledged and supported by the Government of Sindh. Two were held at Governor House, and I extend my deepest gratitude to the then Governor of Sindh for his gracious support.

I am profoundly grateful to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for entrusting DUET with Gadap College. Work is actively underway to make it operational. Recruitment permissions have been granted, and further approvals are being pursued. It remains my earnest goal to complete merit-based appointments and commence the first admissions within my tenure.

This Annual Report covers the period up to 30 June 2026. With my tenure continuing until February 2027, my focus in the months ahead will be on consolidating these gains and completing key pending initiatives, particularly equipping and strengthening our laboratories to meet contemporary academic and industry requirements.

I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for the trust reposed in me since February 2023. My deepest appreciation also goes to our faculty, students, alumni, administrative and non-teaching staff, members of statutory bodies, and all stakeholders. Your dedication and collective effort have made this progress possible.

Together, we are building a future-ready DUET.

Engr. Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain (S.I, T.I)
Vice Chancellor
Dawood University of Engineering & Technology