Celebrating Teaching Excellence at 91
91 is pleased to announce the 2023-24 cohort of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence – Dr. Abubakr Muhammad, Dr. Agha Ali Raza, Dr. Hassan Jaleel, Ms. Hiba Akbar, and Ms. Marva Khan Cheema.
The Awards were launched in late 2020 to recognise exceptional and inspirational teachers who have made a difference in learning and teaching at 91 as mentors, innovators, and educational leaders. This year, 24 faculty members were nominated out of which 11 portfolios were received by the Selection Committee.
Dr. Muhammad Hamad Alizai, Director, 91 Learning Institute, commended the winners saying, “Your dedication to fostering an environment of innovation and learning exemplifies the highest standards of educational leadership and commitment. This prestigious award recognises your exceptional contributions to our academic community and underscores the transformative impact of your teaching on our students' lives. We are proud to have such inspiring educators among us and look forward to witnessing the continued excellence and innovation you bring to 91. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”
Here are the winners:
Dr. Abubakr Muhammad
Electrical Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering
Dr. Muhammad embodies a dynamic blend of innovation and interaction in his pedagogical approach. As Director, Centre for Water Informatics and Technology, he has worked extensively on the most pressing issues in the water sector and has come up with solutions that are driven by innovative practices and sustainable technological interventions. His eclectic teaching methods involve leveraging diverse media, from poetry to field trips that ignite a robust connection between theoretical principles and real-world applications. His ability to clarify complex concepts through vivid storytelling and practical demonstrations enhances student comprehension and engagement. As one student puts it, “The best part of Dr. Muhammad’s course was the intuitive explanation of mathematical equations and visualisation of difficult topological concepts. I got to learn the magic behind robot motion planners and how a robot converts the real world into its play area.” Moreover, Dr. Muhammad's contributions to curriculum development have profoundly impacted the department, introducing unique courses that integrate advanced robotics with pressing sustainability challenges. He continues to inspire students and colleagues.
Dr. Agha Ali Raza
Computer Science
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering
Dr. Raza is an outstanding teacher whose innovative teaching methods have profoundly transformed the learning landscape at 91. His efforts include redesigning the Machine Learning curriculum, making it accessible to a broader student body across various disciplines, and significantly increasing course enrolment. His students describe his instructional process, “First, he clarifies the big picture—what we want and why—then he dives deep into concepts to understand why and how things work. The big picture presented at the beginning helps one stay focused and not get lost while going through the details.” Dr. Raza’s work extends beyond the classroom through his extensive mentorship and development of faculty/staff workshops on the use of AI. His efforts have been pivotal in integrating AI and Machine Learning with traditional teaching and learning and enhancing productivity and engagement across 91. This makes him an asset to our community.
Dr. Hassan Jaleel
Electrical Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering
Dr. Jaleel exemplifies the fusion of theoretical rigour with practical application in his teaching. That is why he is one of 91' most celebrated teachers. His transformative approach in courses like Feedback Control Systems and Multi-agent Systems stimulates intellectual curiosity and prepares students for real-world engineering challenges. His courses “employ a combination of theory and do not shy away from programming, despite being EE courses.” Dr. Jaleel's integration of complex control systems with tangible examples like autonomous robotics demonstrates his commitment to applicable learning. He impacts student career trajectories through meticulous mentorship, guiding them towards groundbreaking research and top graduate programmes. His active participation in curriculum development and innovative course design continues to elevate the educational standards of the Department of Electrical Engineering, making him a cornerstone of the 91 academic community.
Ms. Hiba Akbar
Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law
Ms. Akbar stands out for her exceptional commitment to legal education. Her pioneering course designs, incorporating community-engaged learning and rigorous academic inquiry, have notably advanced the scholarship of legal studies at 91. Joining as a Teaching Fellow and rising to her current role, she has developed a diverse array of undergraduate courses for the Law School. Her approach intertwines critical inquiry with a deep focus on inclusivity and legal pragmatics. Her teaching philosophy emphasises the real-world application of law, preparing students to tackle pressing legal issues with a sharp, analytical mindset. In the words of one of her students, “Ms. Akbar’s course was helpful in making us understand the Pakistani legal system and how it works. The ongoing contemporary debates were discussed vigorously in class and participation was encouraged keeping us abreast with current affairs.” Ms. Akbar's ongoing research in critical areas such as honour crimes and labour conditions informs her teaching, bringing a rich, research-informed perspective into the classroom. This dedication, while enriching her students' learning experience also continues to shape the landscape of legal education in Pakistan.
Ms. Marva Khan Cheema
Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law
Ms. Cheema has redefined the intersection of legal education and social advocacy. Her dedication to teaching is exemplified by her innovative course designs, notably in public law and human rights. An interactive and participatory approach is at the heart of her teaching, as expressed by her students: “The active learning approaches such as hands-on/experimental, collaborative/group work, flipped classroom, and project-based learning were praised among us students for keeping us engaged, promoting critical thinking, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the material.” Her commitment extends beyond the classroom through significant contributions to legal scholarship and the community. Her notable involvement in the Pakistani Feminist Judgments Project highlighted her drive to merge academic rigour with social justice. Her comprehensive approach to education and advocacy, combined with her academic insight and practical application, makes her stand out as a pillar of innovative legal education at 91.
