Sukkur IBA celebrates graduation of inaugural Reko Diq scholars

IBA University on Tuesday celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Reko Diq Scholarship Foundation Program, a joint initiative with the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC), marking a major milestone in the partnership

SUKKUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2026) Sukkur IBA University on Tuesday celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Reko Diq Scholarship Foundation Program, a joint initiative with the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC), marking a major milestone in the partnership.

Under the program, 38 out of 50 students from District Chaghi, Balochistan, have already secured admissions to leading universities across Pakistan even before completing their foundation semester, while the remaining 12 are preparing for the MDCAT examination.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh termed the graduation a landmark achievement in the university's mission to expand access to quality higher education for talented youth from underserved areas. He lauded RDMC's commitment to education and urged the graduates to pursue excellence with integrity and serve as ambassadors of both Balochistan and Sukkur IBA University.

The Reko Diq Scholarship Program was launched under an MoU between Sukkur IBA University and RDMC to provide educational opportunities to talented students from District Chaghi. Under the agreement, 50 students are enrolled annually in a Foundation Program offering intensive academic preparation, mentoring, career counselling and personal development.

Presenting an overview of the program, Director Career Development Center and Focal Person for the program, Mr. Qazi Abdul Wahid, said the cohort showed remarkable academic progress, with average performance improving from 33 percent at entry to 72 percent after five months of intensive coaching - an improvement of 39 percentage points.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Mr. Stephen Herb, Sustainability Manager, RDMC, congratulated the students and said education is a powerful driver of individual and community transformation. He reaffirmed RDMC's commitment to investing in youth through educational partnerships.

Chairman of the Community Development Committee Nokkundi, Haji Arz Muhammad, also praised the scholars' performance and announced that the committee would continue to invest in education, including enhanced scholarships and international opportunities for high achievers.

Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the university's commitment to empowering youth through strategic collaborations.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Foundation Program has been expanded from six months to nine months to provide enhanced academic preparation, leadership development and career guidance. Admissions for the next cohort are now open, with classes scheduled to commence in September 2026.

Officials said the success of the program reflects the shared commitment of Sukkur IBA University and RDMC to investing in human capital and creating transformative educational opportunities for the youth of Balochistan.