Lahore (September 11, 2026): The University of Lahore (UOL) hosted an auspicious ceremony to commemorate the launch of a collaborative partnership between the University of Plymouth (UK) and The University of Lahore. The ceremony was graced by Mr. Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office of the British High Commission, as chief guest.

The University of Plymouth was represented by a distinguished delegation, led by Professor Vladimir Bogdan Ghita, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Transnational Education. The occasion was presided over by Mr. Awais Raoof, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), The University of Lahore, along with Dean of the Department of International Qualifications, Dr. Samina Shah.

“Bringing Opportunities Closer to Home”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office of the British High Commission, in his capacity as chief guest, remarked that the UK-Pakistan education partnership would bring greater academic opportunities closer to home, empowering students to build knowledge and confidence. He said the British side was committed to strengthening this partnership between Punjab and the UK, with the British Council playing a vital role in making it successful and mutually beneficial.

Pakistan’s First Programme of Its Kind

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Awais Raoof, Chairman of The University of Lahore, called the evening a significant milestone marking the launch of the Transnational Education Partnership (TNE), opening greater educational opportunities for students. He noted that this is the first programme of its kind at a university in Pakistan, and thanked everyone involved in making the initiative “a success and a dream come true.”

Tonight marks a significant milestone as we launch the Transnational Education Partnership (TNE), opening greater educational opportunities for students. This is the first programme of its kind at a university in Pakistan. Awais Raoof, Chairman, The University of Lahore

A Team and Academic Effort

Representing the University of Plymouth, Professor Vladimir Bogdan Ghita said he was humbled by the attention and support the delegation had received, describing the launch as both a team and an academic effort. He added that it was a great pleasure to engage with the university’s future students and to discuss opportunities for collaborative research at the University of Lahore.

Ceremony Highlights

• A video presentation outlining the scope of the UOL–Plymouth partnership was showcased to attendees
• Commemorative shields were presented to distinguished guests and the visiting delegation
• The new programmes were formally launched before guests
• Proceedings closed with a cake-cutting ceremony, a fireworks display, and a group photograph

This landmark partnership with the University of Plymouth stands as a testament to The University of Lahore’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration, and reaffirms its resolve to broaden academic and research horizons for its students on a global scale.