Labour MP Jas Singh Athwal has commended British-Pakistani educationist Bilal Sheikh for his contributions to modern education, calling him a role model for providing high-quality education to thousands of students and serving the UK. Athwal, the Labour representative for Ilford North and former Redbridge council leader, made these remarks at the annual convocation of Mont Rose College of Management and Sciences, founded by Sheikh nearly two decades ago.
Addressing over 150 graduating students, the MP shared his personal background, noting that his parents migrated from Gujranwala, Pakistan, to India in 1947 and then moved to the UK, where he was born. He emphasized that his parents prioritized education for their children’s success. The event was also attended by Redbridge Mayor Councillor Sheila A. Bain, Deputy Lieutenant David Utting, Redbridge Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed, and around 400 guests.
Athwal praised Bilal Sheikh’s achievements, stating: “I have witnessed Bilal Sheikh’s journey in East London. Like my father, he came from Pakistan and became a respected educationist. His colleges have offered opportunities to students from across the globe. Many graduates under his leadership now hold senior roles in healthcare, hospitality, and social care across the UK. Sheikh has also created over 300 jobs, making him a role model for others.”
The MP noted that immigrants like Sheikh have become integral to the UK’s society and economy, despite opposition from far-right groups that downplay their contributions.
Bilal Sheikh, recognized for commissioning a portrait of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at Whitehall’s National Liberal Club three years ago, shared that his venture into education was inspired by his parents’ wishes to assist others through learning.
“My parents prioritized education and learning,” Sheikh said. “I began this mission in Pakistan and am proud that thousands of students in London have graduated from our institutions. Today, they work in fields like healthcare, tourism, and the arts, with many holding senior positions. We conduct two graduation ceremonies annually, with each term seeing around 250–300 students complete their studies. Over 18 years, more than 50,000 students have graduated. We’re now planning to invest over £20 million in establishing independent universities and colleges, with healthcare and social services among our most popular programs.”
Sheikh explained that the Home Office’s crackdown on substandard and fraudulent colleges around 15 years ago benefited the education sector. “We admit a limited number of students to ensure top-quality education and comply with Home Office regulations. In the UK, education is viewed as a key to individual success and a foundation for the country’s social, economic, and cultural development.”
In March 2022, Sheikh commissioned a portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the National Liberal Club in recognition of Jinnah’s membership in 1913. The installation marked Pakistan’s 75th Independence Anniversary and honored Jinnah’s legacy after 109 years.
