The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi has announced the start of construction of a new data science centre at its main campus in Sindh, Pakistan.  

It is being built in collaboration with the Jaffer Family Foundation (JFF), a non-profit organisation that aims to enhance education, innovation, and the United Global Initiative (UGI). 

The centre, officially named the ‘Jaffer Family of New York Data Sciences Center’, will serve IBA Karachi’s School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS). 

The latest construction milestone was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony, which was attended by IBA Karachi's senior officials and faculty members along with JFF directors. 

JFF chair Alhaj Mohamedtaki Jaffer said: “This contribution reflects a deep-rooted commitment to education, empowerment, and serving humanity.  

“The investment in this endeavour will yield dividends beyond measure, as the Jaffer family believes that education is a tremendous force towards societal enhancement and JFF's undertaking to build a state-of-the-art data sciences centre will create immense opportunities for the future generations.” 

Concurrently, the entities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 5 January 2024, underscoring the commitment of JFF and the UGI to supporting quality education.  

This MoU signing event was presided over by notable guests, including Sindh's former Chief Minister and Justice Maqbool Baqar, UGI executive director Hasnain Walji, and other notable dignitaries.  

Designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the Jaffer Family of New York Data Sciences Center will provide new tools to students and researchers to explore advanced technologies and address real-world challenges.  

This also aligns with IBA Karachi's goal to become a leading institution for higher education and technology in the region. 

Construction of the centre is expected to be completed in 2026.  

According to Baqar, who praised the collaboration, JFF has made a contribution of $1.5m to IBA's SMCS.