Interview of Professor Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Sindh.

Interviewer: Altaf Abro.
Professor Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto was born in the house of Dur Muhammad Ibupoto a teacher by profession in Talpur Wada, District Khairpur. He completed his primary and Middle education from his village Talpur Wada and completed his matriculation from High School Setharja as in his native village High School was not available then. In those days Agriculture University Tandojam used to offer admission in Agriculture Engineering after matric so he joined Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam for Agriculture Engineering Department.
We present here an interview with him about his academic and professional career and vision.
About his early academic education Dr. Khalil Ibupoto told that he was a shining student from his early academic career. He used to be the topper of his class. When he got admission in Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, he was offered scholarship of Rs. 100 which was awarded to every student who had passed their exams in first class. The amount was so important at that time as his father who was a government teacher at that time used to get Rs. 450 as a monthly salary. The amount of Rs. 100 per month as scholarship was then a huge and substantial amount. He told that he used to get support from his father as well. Meanwhile with this background in academics and financial position he successfully completed his academic degrees and also attempted for competitive exams like CSS.
For his professional career Dr. Khalil Ibupoto tells that after being promoted to Assistant Professor in the Agriculture University Tandojam, he was offered PhD scholarship for UK. His PhD thesis was about Agricultural species and their safety. He feels proud of his achievements and tells that his doctorate phase was a memorable period. He tells that he studied at New Castle Upon Town in England during PhD and pursuer post doctorate from London. He tells with pride that he has visited a large number of countries but his academic career was strengthened at UK.
He advised students to be serious and committed with their academic goals. He believes that parents pin high hopes in their children and students must come up to those expectations. Students must keep the financial constraints of parents in mind and must avoid distractions to save time and money spent on them. He added” I often encourage students to achieve academic excellence despite being from lower strata of BB the society. I tell them it is a pride moment when you claim that despite humble origin, I have achieved this greatness. ”
He further adds that students of Khairpur are highly talented and not less than anyone in terms of potential and talent. Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur is indeed an excellent academic centre with all facilities of academic growth available here. All the departments offering degrees here are the hubs of academic excellence and quality education. Students of this university are rich in academic exposure and can give their best in their fields.
Dr. Khalil Ibupoto loves music and Sufi ( Mystic) music in Siraiki is his all time favorite. He believes in simplicity and always avoid vain publicity and ostentatious ways of life. Shafi Fakeer and Sohrab Fakeer are his favorite singers though he likes every singer who sings mystic sings.
About his village life, Dr. Ibupoto tells that he worked in fields though not tilted it in proper sense. He grazed animals especially a cow that they had domesticated in his youth for which he had to collect fodder and grass.
In eating, Dr. Ibupoto loves Sindhi Spinach. Pulao, Biryani and Lassi are his all time favorite foods.
Commenting on research culture of SALU he expressed his confidence in quality of research work at university and says that he himself participates in PhD open defenses and monitors research activities from different angles. He told that some of the research program at the university were halted and stopped by HEC, which he got restored with his extensive and sincere efforts. He appreciates the contribution of research scholars at the university to keep the standards of research high.
Remembering his past specially his attachment with his father he tells that he was closely affiliated with his father and he was highly grieved at the time if his sad demise. For him his father was a complete school of though who was not only a father but a best friend and true mentor as well. He tells that his father was a creative writer and a poet as well who used to compose poems related with mysticism. Unfortunately his work is not published but Dr. Ibupoto is resolved to get creative work of his father published soon. He recalls that he had completed holy Quran when he was student of seventh class. His father used to carry him on bicycle and share beautiful things with him.
He recalls an incident about his childhood ” once in my childhood, I accompanied my father to a certain village. There after religious practices we were supposed to be served with something most probably rice. This is still common in Sindh. Before the rice were served in earthen pots, our host brought some fresh twigs from a Neem tree. I asked my father about those twigs who told me to wait. When the hot rice were served, these twigs were used to separate rice and move them to be normal for eating. Then my father told that this was the usage of these twigs.” Thus, I learnt a great deal of folk wisdom from my father.
As a Vice Chancellor of the leading public sector university in Sindh Dr. Ibupoto is satisfied with the progress of Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. He adds that all public sector universities in Sindh have general problem of funds however, as the vice Chancellor he has strived to generate maximum funds and make university an independent institution. For academics, he trusts the quality of teaching faculty most of whom are foreign qualified. He feels confident that with the help of provincial and federal government specially with maximum HEC funding, he would lead this university out of financial crisis and make it a profitable institute.
Commenting on scenario of the university and on ensuing crisis, Dr. Ibupoto tells that there are two types of challenges. Internal challenges which we can deal with good leadership and consultative process. Other external challenges are beyond our control. However, we are looking for improvement in those challenges as well. As a Vice Chancellor he has been striving to improve academic and disciplinary matters of the university. He believes that appropriate discipline and participation of all stakeholders will help university move a head. He told that at time of his joining, the university was passing through worst crisis which he has resolved with his sincere efforts and leadership qualities. He believes that for betterment of university there needs more actions and appropriate decisions which he has been thinking of.
He believes that with academic reforms financial reforms at the university are mandatory and can lead university on right path. He told “the financial reforms are under process. We are trying to make finance wing more accountable for appropriate use of funds. We are trying to make finance department more transparent wherein we may have check over every penny earned. For smooth function of affairs only qualified and committed sectional heads will be appointed. The success of every institute depends of proper team work and this creation of this dedicated team is his priority.”
As an academician he believes that educational institutions in Sindh are doing their best and under kind patronage if qualified and dedicated faculty members Sindhi youth have embarked upon the journey of development.
Dr. Khalil Ibupoto believes that Khairpur is a historical place where education has always remained the high priority. Even during State days, Khairpur was famous for its educational facilities, hostels for students and stipends offered to needy students. He told that royal family of state was education friendly and this sense still prevails among people of Khairpur. He told that only education can change the fate of the people and expressed his commitment for working with devotion to keep academic standards of Shah Abdul Latif University high for real change and development of this area.