LUMS NOP Open Day in Quetta 2025 – Expanding Educational Access Across Balochistan
The LUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP) remains dedicated to identifying and supporting talented students from across Pakistan. This year, the NOP Centre successfully conducted its fifth Open Day in Quetta at Serena Hotel, Qila Saifullah, drawing a remarkable turnout of students, parents, and educators eager to explore higher education opportunities.
Engaging Sessions and Outreach
The event featured three interactive sessions, attended by around 1,000 participants from matriculation to university levels. Students and their families engaged in discussions about academic growth, scholarship opportunities, and the admission process at LUMS.
A key highlight was the strong participation of female students, who demonstrated a keen interest in understanding the role of LUMS in shaping their academic futures. The sessions provided guidance on LCAT preparation, an overview of fully funded scholarships, and insights into how financial constraints should not be a barrier to quality education.
Addressing Information Gaps
Many students from underserved areas of Balochistan were previously unaware of fully funded opportunities at LUMS. The event played a crucial role in bridging this knowledge gap by equipping them with clear information on the NOP Scholarship, its benefits, and the application process. Participants left with greater confidence in pursuing higher education at a top-tier institution.
Showcasing LUMS Research Excellence
Students also had the opportunity to learn about innovative research projects at LUMS, including a study at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, which explores how ethanol can help plants survive drought conditions. Additionally, the sessions highlighted a PKR 12 million research grant awarded to Dr. Shaper Mirza’s team to study immune responses to COVID-19, demonstrating LUMS’ impact on global scientific advancements.
Expanding Reach
In addition to the Open Day, the NOP team visited five schools in Quetta to reach students who could not attend the main event. A significant step forward was LUMS' first-ever collaboration with Quetta Book Café, where students from Mariabad explored scholarship opportunities and received career guidance. The session was well received, with parents actively participating in discussions about their children’s educational futures.
With this successful outreach, LUMS continues to bring higher education within reach for talented students across Pakistan. As the journey progresses, more students from Balochistan and beyond will have the opportunity to turn their aspirations into reality.
