On December 2, 2024, a landmark agreement was signed between the Institute of Business Administration’s (IBA) School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS) and Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity. This partnership officially makes IBA the first member of Fortinet’s esteemed Academic Partner Program in Pakistan, signaling a significant step forward in bolstering cybersecurity education in the country. The collaboration was facilitated by the National CERT-Pakistan, underlining its importance in securing Pakistan’s digital future.
The agreement was formalized during an event attended by key representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Syed Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA; Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Dean of the SMCS; and Saqib Ishfaq, Country Manager for Fortinet Pakistan. The ceremony was held at the IBA campus, with both parties expressing their excitement about the new venture and its potential impact.
Dr. Zaidi opened the event by welcoming the Fortinet team and emphasizing the significant benefits this collaboration would bring to the students of SMCS. He pointed out that the integration of Fortinet’s resources into the academic curriculum would enhance the learning experience and provide IBA students with real-world cybersecurity skills.
“This partnership will further cement IBA’s position as a leading institution in the region,” Dr. Zaidi noted, urging SMCS to leverage Fortinet’s cutting-edge resources and incorporate them into specialized sessions for students.
Dr. Khoja also addressed the gathering, highlighting the remarkable growth of SMCS, which has become a hub for forward-thinking programs in mathematics and computer science. He expressed confidence that the partnership with Fortinet would further strengthen the school’s cybersecurity offerings.
“As the digital landscape in Pakistan rapidly evolves, it is crucial that we equip our students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the growing cybersecurity challenges,” Dr. Khoja remarked.
Saqib Ishfaq, Fortinet’s Country Manager for Pakistan, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing Fortinet’s commitment to empowering local talent and contributing to Pakistan’s digital transformation. “With the expansion of our presence in Pakistan, we are proud to help build a digitally secure future for the country. Through this collaboration, we are offering SMCS students access to Fortinet’s world-class training and certification programs,” Ishfaq said. He further highlighted that the partnership would enable students to gain industry-recognized credentials, making them highly competitive in the cybersecurity job market.
The collaboration is part of Fortinet’s broader strategy to engage with academic institutions around the world to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The company’s Academic Partner Program is designed to provide students with practical experience and the opportunity to earn certifications that align with the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity experts.
The partnership between IBA SMCS and Fortinet is poised to have a transformative impact on cybersecurity education in Pakistan. By offering access to cutting-edge tools and certifications, this initiative will better prepare students to meet the evolving challenges of the digital age. The collaboration is also expected to contribute to the development of a stronger cybersecurity workforce in Pakistan, addressing the increasing need for trained professionals as the country continues its journey toward a more digitally secure future.
This milestone marks not just a significant development for IBA but also a step towards creating a more secure digital infrastructure for Pakistan, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to become a global leader in the digital economy. The initiative will continue to inspire collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that future generations of Pakistani professionals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape.
