Bilal Sheikh, a British-Pakistani educationist, has been praised as a role model for his significant contributions to education in the UK. Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Jas Singh Athwal highlighted Sheikh’s impact while speaking at the annual convocation of Mont Rose College of Management and Sciences, which Sheikh founded nearly 20 years ago. Athwal, representing Ilford North, commended Sheikh for providing quality education to thousands of students and for introducing innovative concepts in modern education.
During the ceremony attended by over 150 graduates and other notable figures, including Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Sheila A. Bain, Athwal shared his personal connection to Sheikh’s journey. He noted that both Sheikh and his own parents migrated from Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of education in their family’s aspirations for success. Athwal remarked, “He has provided opportunities to students from all over the world at his colleges. Students who have graduated under his leadership are today working in senior positions in healthcare, hospitality, and social care all over the UK.”
Sheikh’s commitment to education is rooted in his desire to fulfill his parents’ wishes to help others. He stated, “My parents placed their entire focus on education and learning. I started this mission in Pakistan,” highlighting his dedication to nurturing talent in the UK. Over 18 years, more than 50,000 students have graduated from his institutions, many of whom now hold senior roles in various sectors.
In addition to his educational initiatives, Sheikh recently commissioned a portrait of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, at the National Liberal Club in Whitehall. This gesture, which coincided with Pakistan’s 75th Independence Anniversary, was considered a significant recognition of Jinnah’s legacy and his ties to British political history, as he was a member of the club in 1913.
Sheikh also addressed the evolving landscape of education in the UK, noting a previous crackdown on substandard colleges that has ultimately benefited the sector. He emphasized the importance of quality education, stating, “Education in the UK is viewed as a key to individual success and a vital foundation for the country’s social, economic, and cultural progress.”
Looking to the future, Sheikh announced plans to invest over £20 million in establishing independent universities and colleges, with a focus on popular programs in healthcare and social services. His efforts not only provide educational opportunities but also contribute significantly to the UK’s economy by creating jobs and fostering community development.
