Overseas PhD Scholar of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled 'A Nature-Inspired Mataheuristic: The Plant Propagation Algorithm' at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Essex, UK, which is counted among the finest universities of the world. His thesis was supervised by Prof. Abdel Salhi.

Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman was awarded overseas PhD scholarship, on May 23, 2011, by AWKUM for University of Essex, UK, in the subject area of Mathematics. His PhD course started on October 6, 2011 and in less than 3.5 years he has been able to become the 1st overseas PhD of the University under the umbrella of Faculty Development Programme.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ihsan Ali, Dean Faculty of Sciences, Registrar, Chairman Department of Mathematics and all the administrative officers of the University congratulated Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman on his remarkable accomplishment.

On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ihsan Ali reiterated that the investment the University has been doing in its faculty since 2011 has started to bear fruits. He added that this is a proud achievement for the University to have produced its 1st overseas PhD. He further added that 13 overseas PhD scholars of the University, studying in reputed universities of the world, will also complete their PhDs and return by the end of 2015. He also said that upon the successful return of the scholars, the University faculty will further strengthen thus the mission to provide quality education at door step will continue in the best way.