LAHORE: In a major step toward advancing quality education in Punjab, the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) on Thursday signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with young entrepreneurs, NGOs, Ed-Tech companies, educational chains, and individuals to establish 155 Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence across the province.
The signing ceremony was attended by Rana Sikandar Hayat, Punjab Minister for School Education, as the chief guest, along with Malik Shoaib Awan, Chairman of PEF. The event marked a collaborative effort to modernize educational facilities and provide free, quality education to students in various districts.
PEF Managing Director Shahid Farid delivered a detailed briefing about the initiative, outlining its objectives, scope, and multiple components. According to him, the MoUs signed with diverse stakeholders are aimed at ensuring the swift establishment of the schools under PEF’s guidance and standards.
The foundation has given 45 days for the development of school infrastructure in line with modern educational requirements. Once construction and setup are complete, each school will undergo an inspection according to PEF’s prescribed criteria before receiving permission to enroll students.
Students admitted to these schools will receive free education, with tuition fees fully covered by the Punjab government. The new institutions will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including science laboratories, computer labs, robotics labs, STEAM labs, and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) classrooms. Classrooms will feature quality furniture, clean washrooms, and spacious playgrounds to ensure a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment.
The initiative aims to establish modern and high-quality educational institutions across Punjab, providing students with facilities aligned with international standards. By bridging the gap between public and private education, the program seeks to ensure equitable access to quality learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that providing quality education is a top priority for the government. He noted that the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence initiative aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to modernize public education and reduce the disparity in learning standards between public and private schools.
“The establishment of these schools is a landmark initiative to bring modern educational facilities closer to students throughout Punjab,” the minister said. He added that the government remains committed to promoting innovation, modern teaching methods, and comprehensive educational resources to enhance student learning outcomes.
Officials believe that these schools will not only improve access to quality education but also prepare students to compete globally by providing skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The combination of free education and cutting-edge infrastructure is expected to transform the learning experience for thousands of children across Punjab.
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