Dr. Umar Saif is an alumnus of Aitchison College, LUMS, and Cambridge University. More importantly, he is the Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board and the Vice-Chancellor of the Information Technology University in Lahore.
With his impressive background, his worth to this country is undeniable and people love him for his contribution to the IT sector.
However, Dr. Umar Saif recently tweeted this…
I often read totally crappy advice to students justifying mediocrity. If your friend got into LUMS and you only made it to Wahdat Road Science College, chances are your friend will do better going forward. Now imagine if he got into Harvard. Don’t be stupid. Do well in school!
— Umar Saif (@umarsaif) September 21, 2018
The statement didn’t well with a lot of people who made valid arguments to the contrary. In fact, people thought the tweet came from a place of privilege and called him out on it.
They believed the tweet didn’t have much substance.
Seems tweeted without much substance behind. Rethink again what you want to say rest all are struggling in this world and achieves well.
— مهندس كهربائي (@abidlatif) September 21, 2018
People made the argument that it shouldn’t matter where you’re from. Your skill set should matter.
He was arrogant with his post. Much like someone promoting high end education which is expensive for a greater percentage of Pakistanis. It's important to realize that when we say "no matter where you come from, be good at your job" we are providing space to everyone.
— Salman Atif (@SalmanAtif) September 21, 2018
Some rightly pointed out that getting in to LUMS or Harvard was more about finances rather than grades.
Getting into Aitchison, LUMS,MIT & Cambridge was not your personal ability, it started with your family which could afford education in AC and provided you chance. Imagine a boy from govt school in rural tehsils and he has to do job after grad to support family.Dnt be judgemental
— Awazar Roh (@AwazarRoh) September 21, 2018
Most believe that its the circumstances of our birth rather than our learning abilities that determine the institutions we attend.
Don't matter where you come from. I came from a village school and many others have too. M sorry but since you used the word, this is the crappiest post I came across. Bill Gates dropped out and Steve Job didn't have money to pay for it.
— Salman Atif (@SalmanAtif) September 21, 2018
This is not about good school/college. Attainment is largely determined by family socioeconomic circumstances. LUMS or Harvard wouldn't be what they are now without students coming from rich families.
— Nadia Siddiqui (@nadiasiddiqui22) September 21, 2018
In fact, the financial aspect irked many people.
in short, be rich enough to afford LUMS and then Harvard, otherwise stay stupid and mediocre. a friend got into london school of economics, couldn’t go cos of money. same goes for harvards and columbias. yes, do well in school but make sure you’re rich. https://t.co/p5b86YSs2U
— tarbooza kharbooz (@nakaamrade) September 21, 2018
This is not about good school/college. Attainment is largely determined by family socioeconomic circumstances. LUMS or Harvard wouldn't be what they are now without students coming from rich families.
— Nadia Siddiqui (@nadiasiddiqui22) September 21, 2018
Pakistan’s education system was put to blame.
"Do well in school" is itself a crappy advice. You knows nothing abt the hard work & dedication of a person who just get adm into wahdat science college beacuse of the corrupt checkers of BISE . First improve your standards of checking papers than say something.
— Ammara Ashraf (@AshrafAmmara99) September 21, 2018
It was pointed out that many famous and accomplished people were dropouts, or studied at low-ranking institutions.
"crappy", "stupid". . . what a crappy & stupid tweet from you!
Nobel prize winner Abdusalam studied in "taaat" schools. Richest persons in the world are drop-outs. Students of more expensive schools/colleges are spoiled brats and have poor concepts comparatively.
— sur (@manisur) September 21, 2018
Dr. Saif’s words were defended by some people too!
Totally agreed!
Making it to prestigious and credible institution surely prove to be ur first stepping stone towards success……— Starlight2k18 (@starlight2k18) September 21, 2018
Stop idolizing Exceptions! Jack Ma, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates etc. These all are "EXCEPTIONAL" stories, which are repeated by motivational speakers to get praises from the crowd. Read about Survivorship bias. The NORMAL is that you need good Unis to excel.
— Hisham Najam (@hishamnajam) September 21, 2018
Some people believed people were misunderstanding his tweet.
You did not understood what umar sir is saying!!he is telling to work hard and utilize your full abilities from school days so you have opportunity to do well in life in career
— Imran (@Imranzia82) September 21, 2018
@umarsaif is correct and he means to say that there is higher probability that the guy who went to Lums will do well. There are other examples few out of which you quoted but their probability of success is very low. Remember – excellence is a habit. No need to take it to heart!
— M€R£!N | میں بھی نواز ہوں (@jasim011) September 21, 2018
When it comes to education, we really do need to question whether university names matter more than actual talent and skill. What do you think about this tweet by Dr. Umar Saif? Do you agree or disagree? Tell us in the comments!
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