Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran’s Shahed University Tehran to enhance academic and research collaboration, including scholarships, joint research, and faculty exchanges.
According to SAU information, the agreement will facilitate fully funded scholarships for 10 SAU students to pursue higher education in Tehran, with half of the scholarships reserved for female students. Additionally, both universities will collaborate on research in agriculture, social sciences, and agricultural engineering.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at SAU’s Senate Hall, where Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal and Dr. Mohammad Hussain Nohi Khan, Advisor to the President of Shahed University Tehran, formally signed the agreement. Officials in attendance included Dr. Iman Zamani, Director of International Relations at Shahed University, Dr. Syed Farman Ali Shah, Country Representative, and Dr. Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar, Director of University Advancement and Financial Assistance at SAU.
As part of the collaboration, both institutions will promote faculty and student exchanges, explore joint research opportunities, and organize international conferences, seminars, and training programs. Supplementary agreements will outline specific academic initiatives and financial commitments.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that research will focus on irrigated and arid agriculture. He noted that the scholarship program will provide Pakistani students with opportunities for advanced studies in Iran while strengthening academic ties between agricultural experts from both countries.
Nohi Khan underscored Pakistan’s role in global agriculture and SAU’s position among the country’s academic institutions. He remarked that the agreement signifies a practical step toward long-term academic and research cooperation.
He also announced that joint conferences, seminars, and workshops will be launched as part of the initial phase, with additional scholarships planned beyond the initial ten, maintaining the 50% quota for female students.
During the ceremony, Dr Iman Zamani, Dr Syed Farman Ali Shah, and Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar addressed the gathering. Under the agreement, Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar has been appointed as the focal person for SAU, while Dr Syed Farman Ali Shah will serve as the focal person for Shahed University Tehran.