The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) held its 24th Convocation on Saturday, December 11, 2021. As many as 1,249 graduates were awarded degrees in business management and allied disciplines. Gold medals were awarded to 16 students while 37 graduates received Merit Certificates. Leading the Convocation Planning Committee (CPC) was Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Executive Director, IoBM and Convener CPC. Under her inspiring leadership, CPC planned, organized, and executed all tasks to ensure smooth completion of the 24th Convocation.
Governor Sindh Mr. Imran Ismail was the Chief Guest while Mr. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment (BoI) Pakistan was the Guest of Honor. The Keynote Speaker was Mr. Amir Paracha, Chairman and CEO, Unilever Pakistan. Present on the occasion were IoBM’s Chancellor, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad; Members of the Board of Governors; President, Mr. Talib S. Karim; Executive Director, Ms. Sabina Mohsin; Rector, Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro; Deans, Heads of Academic Departments, and members of the Convocation Committee.
During his speech, Governor Sindh Mr. Imran Ismail said that Pakistan faces significant challenges in the area of providing purposeful, superior quality education for the youth of this country. He said that efforts are been made to restructure education under the national education policy framework. He was confident that the IoBM graduates will use their learning acquired to face all of life’s challenges and enable them to give their best at every step of the way.
While addressing the Convocation, Mr. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan advised students to pursue all activities with honesty, loyalty, and a sound sense of judgment. He asked the graduates to explore the world around them and become a helping hand for those who are facing tough times. He added that the times ahead will be challenging because of how the pandemic has altered our lives. He was confident that the graduates’ insights acquired during classroom lectures and experience gained while pursuing jobs or completing internships will guide them towards success.
During his Keynote Address, Mr. Amir Paracha said that behind success there are failures, success, and vulnerabilities. He said that your dream can evolve and change and that it is often important to listen to intuition. He advised students to continue dreaming, to be curious, to keep learning, and to remain humble. Mr. Paracha's life story was indeed inspiring for the graduates that highlighted his gradual rise over the years in the corporate sector.
President IoBM, Mr. Talib S. Karim during his speech said he shared that IoBM is continuing its focus on research and development as faculty members are effectively pursuing their research objectives. He added that IoBM's academic collaboration with universities abroad was also strengthened in 2021. IoBM is connected with 68 universities in Europe, Asia, and the US. He further added that IoBM management envisions transforming the Institute into a tech-driven campus within the next two years.
During his Welcome Address, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad said that graduates should be grateful to their parents for their selfless devotion. He paid tribute to IoBM's Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim for his devotion to providing quality education. He advised graduates to dream big and have a vision in life. He advised the graduates to work hard, be honest, and create jobs by establishing startups.
The Valedictorian, Ishma Ghazanfar (BBA Honors/Gold Medalist), during her speech, recalled her journey at IoBM, especially the classes taken from home during the pandemic. She advised students that whatever they wish to do in life, they should do it well. Because in doing so, they will find excellence, and in pursuing excellence, they will find their desired outcome. She said that with hard work, perseverance, and faith in God Almighty, things that may seem impossible will become possible. Abdul Moizz (BS- Social Entrepreneurship and Social Leadership) was the Students Commencement Speaker. He shared that IoBM provided students with countless opportunities to build connections. Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, our Student Exchange Program continued through which so many of us have had the privilege of studying in top-ranked universities all around the globe. He was confident that the Class of 2021 is not only graduating with a sense of pride, but with a sense of responsibility; the responsibility of working against the social challenges that lie ahead of them.
Gold medals were awarded to 16 students while 37 graduates received Merit Certificates. Among the graduating class were BBA-Honors (366), BS (254), MBA (562), MS/MPhil (39), and PhD (9) candidates. IoBM’s Convocation Planning Committee working under the leadership of Ms. Sabina Mohsin planned, organized, and executed all tasks with dedication.