Prof. Dr. Usman Ghani a distinguished academic and professional in Management Sciences is an alumnus of the same Institute started his journey with the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar in 2009 when he was recruited as Provost of the Institute. In 2012 was designated Deputy Director while in 2016 as Joint Director of the Institute. According to the present Director of IM Sciences, two years ago the Vacant Post had been advertised where in including him about 50 candidates applied to the vacant post of Director however his experience and qualifications proved him a strong candidate for the position and was selected as Director of the Institute in February, 2023. The Academic profile of Dr. Usman Ghani indicates that he has been studying in Fazali Haq College, Mardan, SZABIST, Islamabad, IM Sciences Peshawar and has completed his Phd from Gatton College of Business and Economics, Lexington-Kentucky.
Director of the Institute during an exclusive interview to Daily Country News told that IM Sciences had been founded in 1995 under the umbrella of the University of Peshawar as was called IM Studies while later on in 2005 through an ordinance it became an autonomous degree awarding Institute of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and as per the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan ranking in 2017 IMSciences ranks 4th in Business Category.
Reciprocating a question Dr. Usman Ghani highlighted the diverse range of disciplines offered at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS), including Management Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Social Sciences. However, in response to current demands, the institute has decided to expand its academic offerings to include postdoctoral and graduate programs in Public Policy, Data Science, and Psychology. This strategic decision aims to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in these emerging fields.
Furthermore, the IMS has partnered with the Hasho Group to introduce an Associate Degree in Tourism Management and Hospitality. This program not only provides comprehensive education in these industries but also guarantees job opportunities within Hasho Group Companies upon completion. Recognizing the need to cater to working professionals and entrepreneurs, the IMS also plans to offer MBA, MS, and PhD programs on weekends, in addition to the regular classes held on weekdays. These weekend classes will take place on alternate Saturdays and Sundays, allowing students enrolled in this program to enjoy two free weekends per month while still completing the course within the standard timeframe.
Dr. Usman Ghani emphasized the commitment of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS) to make quality education accessible to all. While many universities and educational organizations have been increasing their fees due to the devaluation of currency, Dr. Ghani announced that the IMS will be providing a 25% inflationary relief in fees for all students in MBA, MS, and PhD programs. Furthermore, the IMS is also extending a generous 50% waiver in fees for alumni who have graduated from the institute. This initiative not only recognizes the achievements of past students but also seeks to support their continued educational pursuits. By offering this significant fee waiver, the IMS is demonstrating its dedication to fostering lifelong learning and providing opportunities for professional growth to its alumni community. This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and ensure that education remains affordable in these challenging times. He added that not only, but the Institute with best hostel facilities charge PKR 140 per day for three times food i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner on the students’ choice menu, while minimum PKR 1000 are charged monthly for transportation.
To a query regarding financial management in the present circumstances with comparison of other public sector universities, Dr. Usman Ghani claimed that IM Sciences never ever demanded funds from the province nor it needs to demand but the successful financial management and expense control of the Institute based on its meritocracy as no political induction is tolerated or accepted at all. Such principles he attributed to the success stories of this educational Institute. Top brands and banking sector by visiting here, directly recruit the Institutes’ graduates. Presently about more than hundred IM Sciencians enjoy scholarships in the United States of multiple programs, Professor numbered. About entrepreneurship the Director named hundreds of entrepreneurship businesses in various services in Peshawar, Mardan and other cities of the province.
Regarding the increasing numbers of Public sector and private universities in the province with financial crunch, Dr. Usman Ghani suggested that there should be areas specific and feasible universities on a territorial basis. He further elaborated that in areas where mining exists, the Institute should focus on that specific theme, similarly Tourism, Agriculture, Botany, Forestry etc. with area wise potential should be measured in order that students after completing studies will have exposure to the relevant market or field. And the Institute will easily survive and manage a sustainable education. While answering to a question about 18th amendment and educational Institutes, he predicted that if the Federal recurrent funds stop, the financial problems to public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will further be intensified.