**NCA Vice Chancellor Praises UMT Graduate Thesis Exhibition 2025, Highlights Role of Private Universities in Creative Education**
Vice Chancellor of the National College of Arts (NCA), Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, served as Chief Guest at the 2025 Graduate Thesis Exhibition held by the University of Management and Technology’s (UMT) School of Design and Textiles, where he lauded the institution’s commitment to creative education and the expanding influence of private universities in Pakistan’s design sector.
Hosted at UMT’s campus, the exhibition showcased the thesis projects of 186 graduating students across four major disciplines: Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Textile Design. Prof. Dr. Jafri attended the event accompanied by Ms. Bushra Saeed, Additional Registrar of NCA, and was welcomed by UMT Rector Dr. Asif Raza and Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Hasan Malik, Dean of the School of Design and Textiles.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Jafri underlined the crucial contributions of private universities like UMT in broadening access to higher education—particularly for students unable to gain admission to public institutions. He applauded UMT’s dedication to nurturing innovation, fostering aesthetic sensibilities, and maintaining rigorous academic standards within the creative arts.
The displayed projects highlighted a compelling mix of artistic innovation, technical excellence, and engagement with socially relevant issues, drawing enthusiastic responses from industry professionals, faculty, and peers alike. Prof. Dr. Jafri commended the high quality of student work and encouraged graduates to pursue their creative ambitions with determination and resilience.
The exhibition also reinforced the School of Design and Textiles’ ongoing commitment to advancing design education in Pakistan. With a focus on professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, the school continues to equip graduates to make significant contributions to the country’s burgeoning creative industries.
