The University of Okara admission growth has reached 310 percent between 2024 and
2026, showing a major increase in student enrolment. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar
Hayat praised the university’s progress during a Syndicate meeting. He appreciated the
management for controlling expenses and improving the university’s financial position.

The minister said the university was saving Rs 300 million annually by replacing 400 visiting
faculty positions with regular appointments. He also praised the management for merging
different sections of the same classes to reduce unnecessary spending. According to the
minister, these efforts helped the university save Rs 400 million within one year.

Student enrollment has also increased significantly over the past two years. During the current
academic session, 7,585 new students joined the University of Okara. More than 13,000
students enrolled over the last two years, bringing the total number of students to over 18,500.
This growth reflects the university’s expanding role in providing higher education opportunities.
Rana Sikandar Hayat rejected proposed fee increases for most faculties to help protect students
and their families from additional financial pressure. He directed the university to keep fee
increases for selected subjects within 10 percent. The decision aims to make education more
affordable while supporting students pursuing their academic goals.

The minister also highlighted improvements in university facilities through Rs 440 million in
internally generated revenue. The university established a Rs 1.5 billion endowment fund to
strengthen its financial stability. According to the minister, the fund generated Rs 160 million in
profit within one year.

The education minister instructed university officials to complete recruitment processes within
90 days while ensuring merit and transparency. He also made appointments subject to
Syndicate approval and established a selection committee.

The meeting approved the affiliation of public colleges with the university. A separate committee
was formed to examine applications from private colleges. The minister stressed that colleges
must have suitable facilities and maintain educational standards before receiving affiliation.

Rana Sikandar Hayat said financially stable universities were important for improving higher
education across Punjab. He described the University of Okara as a positive example of
financial management and institutional development.

Source: Official statement regarding the University of Okara Syndicate meeting

Fatima Khan