Pakistanâs first PhD in nursing awarded to AKU alumnus Dr Khairulnissa Ajani is assistant dean at AKU's nursing school SAMAA | Health - Posted: May 1, 2021 | Last Updated: 1 month ago SAMAA | Health Posted: May 1, 2021 | Last Updated: 1 month ago Dr Khairulnissa Ajani. Photo: Aga Khan University/ www.aku.edu/sonampk Listen to the story Pakistanâs first-ever doctorate in nursing has been awarded by the Aga Khan Universityâs School of Nursing and Midwifery to Dr Khairulnissa Ajani. Dr Ajani has been assistant dean of teaching, learning and undergraduate programmes at AKU SONAM since 2017. She was the first candidate to enroll in the schoolâs PhD programme launched in 2015.