Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Jas Singh Athwal praised British-Pakistani educationist Bilal Sheikh as a role model who has delivered quality education to thousands of students by introducing innovative concepts in modern education while serving the UK. The Labour MP for Ilford North and former leader of Redbridge Council made these remarks at the annual convocation event for Mont Rose College of Management and Sciences, an institution founded by Bilal Sheikh nearly 20 years ago.
Speaking to over 150 graduating students, the MP shared that his parents, originally from Gujranwala in Pakistan, migrated to India in 1947 before settling in the UK, where he was born. Their primary focus was on ensuring their children received a quality education and achieved success. The ceremony also welcomed Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Sheila A. Bain, Deputy Lieutenant Mr. David Utting, Redbridge Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed, and around 400 other attendees.
The MP stated, “I have witnessed Bilal Sheikh’s journey in East London. He came from Pakistan, just like my father, and has become a notable educationist. He has created opportunities for students from around the world through his colleges. His institutions are doing exceptional work, with graduates now holding senior positions in healthcare, hospitality, and social care across the UK. Additionally, he has created over 300 jobs within the UK. He serves as a role model for others to emulate.”
He emphasized that many individuals with immigrant backgrounds have become vital to the UK’s society and economy, despite the far-right’s efforts to obscure this contribution. Bilal Sheikh, known for commissioning a portrait of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, at Whitehall’s esteemed National Liberal Club three years ago, reflected on entering the field of education over 18 years ago, fulfilling his parents’ wish to assist others through learning.
Read More: LHC Dismisses Appeal by Magazine Editor in Zia Chishti Defamation Case
He remarked, “My parents prioritized education and learning. I began this mission in Pakistan, and I take pride in the fact that thousands of students in London have graduated from our colleges and are now working in various fields such as healthcare, travel, tourism, and the arts. Those who qualified through our programs are now in senior positions. We conduct two graduations annually, with approximately 250 to 300 students graduating each term. Over the past 18 years, more than 50,000 students have graduated from our institutions, and we are currently planning to establish independent universities and colleges, investing over £20 million soon. Our popular programs include healthcare and social services.”
Bilal Sheikh noted that, 15 years ago, there were hundreds of colleges, but the Home Office initiated a crackdown that eliminated substandard and fraudulent institutions. “This action significantly benefited the sector. We enroll only a limited number of students to ensure top-quality education and compliance with Home Office standards. Education in the UK is regarded as essential for individual success and a fundamental pillar of the nation’s social, economic, and cultural advancement.”
In March 2022, Bilal Sheikh commissioned a portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the National Liberal Club, which was viewed as a significant honor for the founder of Pakistan, as he had not been recognized in over 109 years. Jinnah was a club member in 1913, along with Mr. Dadabhai Naoroji. The portrait was unveiled as part of the celebrations for Pakistan’s 75th Independence Anniversary.
This article was received directly from the reporter.
