KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Bagar on Friday regretted that a significant percentage of eligible students were unable to access universities due to various socioeconomic barriers.

Addressing the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Business Administration (IBA)Karachi and Jaffer Family Foundation (JFF)-UGI for gifting a school of computer science to the IBA here at a local hotel, he said the statistics related to higher education in Pakistan revealed the challenges.

`Although there has been a noticeable improvement in primary education enrolment, many students still face difficulties when it comes to transitioning to the higher education,` he added.

The CM said that a building worth $1.5 million had been gifted to the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at the IBA by the JFF-UGI. `This act of generosity represents more than just financial support; it is a significant investment in the intellectual capital of our nation,` he said and added the gift highlighted a shared vision to empower, innovate and propel aspiring minds, who are eager to contribute meaningfully to our society, forward.

He said the lack of resources, along with a scarcity of specialised institutions particularly in the fields such as computer science and mathematics, highlighted the pressing need for initiatives like that collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, IBA Executive Director Dr S Akbar Zaidi thanked for the gift and unwavering contribution towards the construction of the new building, which was the largest donation theuniversityhadreceived in the last10years.

He said it would pave the way for a space that would nurture minds, inspire creativity and foster excellence. He added the new building would serve as a hub of knowledge and a centre for academic excellence.

He said the IBA was a testament of excellence as a public sector organisation which required space from the government.

`The IBA is a role model for public sector organisations and has developed excellent alumni,` he said.