News

Northern University Forges Academic Alliance Through UK-Pak Synergy Project
18th April 2025

Northern University has made history as the first institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to establish this strategic international academic partnership through its participation in the UK-Pak Synergy Project. Spearheaded by the British Council, this collaborative initiative establishes formal ties between higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and Pakistan, with Northern University positioned as a key participant. This partnership will focus on three key areas: research collaboration, remote PhD opportunities, and women's empowerment initiatives.

The research component will allow faculty members to work with UK counterparts on joint projects, with special emphasis on science, technology, and social sciences. PhD candidates will benefit from innovative remote supervision options, making British academic expertise more accessible. The women's empowerment program will create scholarships and leadership training specifically for female researchers.

Pro-Rector Mr. Taha Sawar commented on the university's involvement:
"It gives me immense pleasure to collaborate on this important project. We are committed to advancing meaningful academic linkages and creating impactful opportunities for faculty and students alike."

The university administration has designated Mr. Khalid Mehmood Zaman, Assistant Professor, as the official focal person for all project-related matters. In this capacity, he will coordinate activities between the participating institutions and oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives.

The UK-Pak Synergy Project brings together selected universities from both countries. The goal is to share knowledge, improve teaching methods, and conduct important research.

Igniting Innovation in Nowshera – A Game-Changing Startup Competition! On February 18, 2025, Northern University, in collaboration with 92Startups, successfully hosted Nowshera’s largest startup pitching competition. This transformative event provided a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, connecting them with investors, industry experts, and startup mentors to showcase groundbreaking business ideas.

With strong support from Trustee and Pro-Rector Taha Sawar, the competition aimed to foster entrepreneurial talent, offering startups the opportunity to compete for mentorship, incubation, and investment. Participants demonstrated exceptional creativity and business acumen, setting a new precedent for startup growth in the region.

The event featured a renowned panel of judges with extensive industry experience:

• Umer Hadeed – CEO, The Collective/Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio
• Muhammad Nabeel – Co-founder & CTO, Healthwire
• Imran Cheema – Serial Entrepreneur & CEO, Zemotify
• Rukhsh Ali – Product Lifecycle & Growth Manager, Cridio Studio
• Ahmad Raza Cheema – Director of Product Innovation & Strategy, CubeWP

This landmark competition marks a significant milestone in Nowshera’s startup ecosystem, driving innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial success.

Northern University Expands Academic Offerings and Strengthens Policies in Academic Council Meeting

Nowshera, January 27 – Northern University held its 13th Meeting of Academic Council, focusing on key developments in curriculum advancement, policy adoption, and strategic growth. The meeting, chaired by the Rector Prof. Dr. Syed Munawar Hussain Shah, was attended by esteemed members, including representatives from the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, Nominee of HED, Pro-Rector, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Deans, Departmental Heads and Other Members.

The session aimed to enhance academic programs, align university policies with Higher Education Commission (HEC) guidelines, and introduce new degree programs to cater educational and industrial demands.

Curriculum Advancements Aligned with HEC Policies:

The Academic Council reviewed and approved curriculum advancements in line with the Graduate and Undergraduate Policies guided by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). These updates ensure that Northern University maintains high academic standards and provides students with cutting-edge education.

A major milestone of the meeting was the approval of new degree programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, broadening academic opportunities for students.

New Degree Programs Approved:

✔ Graduate Level:

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
Doctor of Philosophy in English

✔ Undergraduate Level:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
Bachelor of Science in Radiology
Bachelor of Science in Anesthesia Technology
Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology
Associate Degree Program (ADP) in Mathematics (Two-Year Program)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Machine Learning
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Cyber Security

The introduction of these programs marks a significant step in expanding educational disciplines, particularly in the health and technology sectors, ensuring that students gain specialized knowledge in high-demand fields.

Adoption of HEC Policies and Academic Reforms:

To further enhance the quality of education and student services, Northern University has adopted key HEC policies, including:
🔹 Fee Refund Policy: Establishing a structured and transparent process for student fee refunds.
🔹 Admission Criteria for Postgraduate Programs: Defining clear guidelines for student eligibility and admission processes at the postgraduate level.
🔹 Rules Regarding the Awarding of Degrees: Ensuring compliance with HEC’s academic and assessment standards for awarding degrees.

Stepping into the Health Sector:

A landmark decision in this meeting was Northern University’s official entry into the health sector with the launch of multiple healthcare-related degree programs. With the introduction of Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology, Anesthesia Technology, and Surgical Technology programs, the university aims to contribute to the healthcare industry by producing highly skilled professionals.

Commitment to Excellence and Growth:

The Academic Council reaffirmed Northern University’s commitment to academic excellence, policy-driven governance, and student-focused initiatives. With the expansion of academic programs and implementation of HEC policies, the university is moving towards a stronger and more diverse educational framework.
The strategic decisions made in this meeting will play an effective role in enhancing the university’s reputation, fostering innovation, and ensuring that students receive a high-quality, industry-relevant education. Northern University continues to take such initiatives to ensure a brighter future for its students and the broader community.

An exclusive delegation from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) undertook a visit to Northern University from the 3rd to the 5th of January in the year 2018. During this period, the delegation engaged in a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of the university's academic, administrative, and research endeavours.

This visit exemplified a significant step in fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the HEC and Northern University, aimed at enhancing the quality and standards of higher education in the country.

In the academic year 2018-19, Northern University introduced a selection of esteemed Bachelor of Science degree programs, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing diverse and high-quality educational opportunities.

These programs were thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide array of academic interests and career aspirations. The new offerings included:

• BS Urdu
• BS Mathematics
• BS Environmental Sciences
• BS Pakistan Studies
• BS Political Science
• BS Psychology

Northern University (NU) convened its latest Board of Governors Meeting, gathering the institution's leadership to discuss important matters and make decisions for the university's future. The meeting focused on a broad range of topics, including academic programs, infrastructural developments, and financial planning.

During the meeting, the board reviewed recent achievements and progress reports from various departments, emphasising the university's dedication to providing quality education and fostering a vibrant learning environment. The discussions aimed to address current challenges and explore new opportunities to enhance the overall experience at NU.

The Board of Governors Meeting serves as a vital platform for sharing ideas, setting strategic directions, and making decisions that will shape the university's path forward. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to have a positive impact on the university's growth and its commitment to academic excellence.

Northern University continues to strive for excellence, and the Board of Governors plays a crucial role in supporting the institution's mission and vision.

For more information on the outcomes of the Board of Governors Meeting, please stay tuned for further updates.