The Rector of Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD), Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, visited Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, President of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the central education regulatory body in Pakistan. Ahmed, expressed his interest in the achievements of ARUCAD and offered support for a collaboration between ARUCAD and the well-established state university in Pakistan, the National College of Arts, particularly in the fields of art, design, and communication. An important collaboration agreement was signed between ARUCAD and the National College of Arts (NCA), a state university founded in 1876.
Leading the delegation to promote ARUCAD and Northern Cyprus to Pakistan, Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi was accompanied by Vice Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Dalkılıç and Administrative Coordinator Ahmet Özçelebi. The delegation visited Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, President of the Higher Education Commission. Prof. Dr. Ahmed mentioned that they closely monitor higher education institutions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and possess positive information relating to ARUCAD.
Based on the recommendation of Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, a collaboration agreement was established between ARUCAD and the National College of Arts (NCA). This protocol represents a significant step to encourage and enhance student exchange programmes. Within the scope of this collaboration, student and academic staff exchange programmes, joint exhibitions, and artistic/academic initiatives will be started for the academic year 2024-2025 between the two higher education institutions.
The National College of Arts (NCA), founded in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1876, offers education in Plastic Arts, Textile Design, Architecture, Cinema, and Music. NCA focuses on an educational process that helps students explore, research, and express their ideas, while encouraging them to discover their potential through innovative thinking.
The collaboration protocol signed between ARUCAD and NCA by Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, and Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, the Rector of NCA, holds great importance for both institutions. It aims to provide international opportunities for students and academics, while strengthening international cooperation and understanding in the fields of art and design.