DemocratizingEducationin Pakistan
Education Reformer · Media Professional · Poet · Social Entrepreneur
A Legacy of Service,
A Vision for Change
Syed Muhammad Najmuddin Soharwardi is an education reformer, media professional, poet, and social entrepreneur committed to democratizing education in Pakistan.
Carrying forward the legacy of his late grandfather, Syed Muhammad Riazuddin Soharwardi, he began offering free coaching classes for Grades 9 and 10 in 2011 within a madrasa setting in Karachi's underserved Martin Quarters area.
What started as small tuition sessions gradually evolved into a broader educational movement — providing free classes for out-of-school children and skills-based courses in English and Information Technology. In 2019, he formally named the initiative "Off The School" and launched a YouTube platform featuring educational content and thought-provoking discussions.
Building an Educational Revolution
The Seed of Change
Grassroots action begins. Najam launched free secondary classes within Jama Riazul Uloom Trust, laying the groundwork for accessible, community-driven education.
Off The School is Born
The vision scales. Formally named OTS, the initiative expanded beyond basic coaching into IT, English, and a digital channel featuring live classes and expert dialogues.
From Initiative to Institution
OTS evolved into a formal, full-fledged school system. Backed by structural upgrades and community support, it transformed into a comprehensive ecosystem bridging standard academics and vocational training.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Empowering over 5,000 students. Today, OTS operates as a multidimensional hub featuring a school, coaching center, incubator, creative studio, madrasa integration, published curricula, and a proprietary EdTech app designed to reach millions.
A Connected Universe of Learning
OFF THE SCHOOLSchool System
Full-fledged school from KG to Grade 8
Madrasa Integration
Blending traditional & modern education
Skills & Incubation
Entrepreneurship & vocational training
Creative Studio
Video production & digital content
Syllabus Books
Published curriculum KG–Grade 8
Website
~1M monthly digital views
Mobile App
Interactive learning modules & courses
School System
Full-fledged school from KG to Grade 8
Madrasa Integration
Blending traditional & modern education
Skills & Incubation
Entrepreneurship & vocational training
Creative Studio
Video production & digital content
Syllabus Books
Published curriculum KG–Grade 8
Website
~1M monthly digital views
Mobile App
Interactive learning modules & courses
Voice, Verse & Vision
Podcasts Recorded & Hosted
Engaging scholars, poets, policymakers, journalists, and thought leaders in wide-ranging intellectual conversations that challenge conventional thinking.
Poet & Columnist
Published articles and opinion pieces reflecting on society, education, religion, and culture — giving voice to the unheard through the written word.
Featured Across Media
Featured on numerous mainstream television channels, leading newspapers, and prominent podcasts for his vision and work.
Watch & Listen
Off The School
EdSense
Guest Podcasts
The News Works
Published work, columns, and featured coverage across leading outlets.
A Scholar's Journey
Master's in Religion, Law & Society
Chevening Scholarship — UK Government
University of Westminster, London
Selected for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the UK Government.
Mass Communication & Media Studies
Greenwich University, Karachi
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Computer Engineering
NED University of Engineering & Technology
Studied for three years before dropout
Modern Academic Learning
Intermediate — Meritorious College
Meritorious School · Homeschooled
A strong foundation in modern academic education and contemporary learning methods.
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Traditional Islamic Scholarship
Hifz Program
Jamia Riazul Uloom
Deep immersion in traditional Islamic scholarship and Quranic studies.
From Newsrooms to Educational Revolution
Founder & Creative Lead
ArkTech StudiosLeading his own creative and digital consultancy venture focusing on media strategy, digital development, and technology solutions.
Head of CSR
Mezan Edible Oil GroupSpearheaded corporate social responsibility initiatives, bridging business impact with community empowerment.
Digital Media — Founding Team
Cola NextPart of the founding team of the digital media department, contributing to brand strategy, digital transformation, and marketing innovation.
Head of Islamabad Desk
Express TribuneLed the Islamabad bureau, managing coverage of national politics, policy, and governance.
Senior Subeditor
The News InternationalReturned in an elevated capacity, contributing to editorial strategy and newsroom leadership.
Subeditor-cum-Reporter
The News InternationalAuthored over 100 bylined stories, laying the groundwork for a distinguished media career.
Senior Subeditor & News Reporter
Express Tribune — Tribune 24/7Elevated to senior editorial role, covering breaking news for one of Pakistan's leading English dailies.
Moments & Memories
A visual journey through the milestones, achievements, and meaningful moments that have shaped the Off The School story.
Media Recognition
Education is not a privilege — it is a right. Our mission is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning that empowers them to shape their own future.— Najam Soharwardi