British-Pakistani educationist praised as role model for helping thousands through education

### British-Pakistani Educator Bilal Sheikh Honored as a Role Model at Mont Rose College Convocation

LONDON: Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Jas Singh Athwal praised British-Pakistani educator Bilal Sheikh as a role model during the annual convocation of Mont Rose College of Management and Sciences, which Sheikh established nearly two decades ago. 

Speaking to over 150 graduating students, the MP for Ilford North and former leader of Redbridge Council reflected on his own family history, noting that his parents migrated from Gujranwala, Pakistan, to India in 1947 before settling in the UK, where their primary focus was on ensuring their children received quality education.

The ceremony, attended by notable figures including Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Sheila A. Bain and Deputy Lieutenant Mr. David Utting, among others, highlighted Sheikh's significant contributions to education. 

“I have witnessed Bilal Sheikh’s journey in East London. He came from Pakistan like my father and became an educator, providing opportunities to students from all over the world,” Athwal stated. “His colleges have enabled graduates to secure senior positions in healthcare, hospitality, and social care across the UK. He has created over 300 jobs in the country and is a role model for others to emulate.”

Athwal emphasized that many individuals from immigrant backgrounds contribute significantly to the UK’s society and economy, despite efforts by far-right groups to obscure these positive stories.

Bilal Sheikh, who three years ago installed a portrait of Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, at the National Liberal Club in Whitehall, shared his motivation for entering the education sector. He expressed that it was his parents' dream to help others through education.

“My parents focused entirely on education and learning. I began this mission in Pakistan, and I am proud that thousands of students in London have graduated from our colleges and now work in various fields, including hospitals, travel, tourism, and the arts,” Sheikh noted. He reported that his institutions conduct two graduations annually, with around 250-300 students graduating each term. Over the past 18 years, more than 50,000 students have completed their studies at his colleges, with plans to establish independent universities and colleges involving an investment of over £20 million, particularly in healthcare and social services programs.

Sheikh explained that the education landscape has changed significantly over the past 15 years due to a crackdown by the Home Office on substandard and fraudulent colleges. “This has greatly benefited the sector. We only accept a limited number of students to maintain top-quality education and comply with Home Office requirements,” he said. “Education in the UK is seen as a key to individual success and a vital foundation for the country’s social, economic, and cultural progress.”

In March 2022, Sheikh's installation of Jinnah’s portrait at the National Liberal Club was seen as a significant honor, marking the founder of Pakistan’s recognition after 109 years. Jinnah was a member of the club in 1913, alongside prominent figures like Mr. Dadabhai Naoroji. The portrait was part of the celebrations for Pakistan's 75th Independence Anniversary.