From Researching Virtual Initiatives in Education
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is a unique institution in Pakistan because of its philosophy, system, approach, functions and overall structure. It is a Distance Education institution, which provides multi-disciplinary education from basic to doctoral level programmes. AIOU is one of the largest universities in the world and is considered a 'mega-university.'
The University has its main campus at Islamabad but with a large network of regional centres spread all over the country and beyond, serving its clientele all over Pakistan and in the Middle East.
It was established in May, 1974, with the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. This makes it the oldest Open University in Asia.
In the last 30 years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise:
- It has opened up educational opportunities for working people and has provided access to women at home
- It has also done pioneering work in the field of Mass Education
- It is now breaking new grounds in the fields of professional, scientific, and technical education
- It is attempting to reach out to the remotest areas of Pakistan
- It is also attempting to harness modern Information Technology for spreading education in Pakistan.
The web site is http://www.aiou.edu.pk.
> Pakistan
> Programmes