In progressive and developed societies, the wide gulf between advancement and underdevelopment is attributed to various factors. However, the most crucial factor is the disparity in literacy rates, especially the lack of higher education. Without bridging this gap, any society aspiring to progress cannot stand among the ranks of developed nations.Countries that have charted the path of rapid development attribute much of their success to a remarkable increase in the rate of higher education. While advanced societies have been guided by luminaries like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose guidance and teachings have been instrumental, it is crucial to highlight Iqbal’s vision in particular. In his poetic style, he encapsulated the essence of nurturing youth, likening them to seeds that, with the best education and upbringing, could reach for the stars. His message aimed to instill the belief that with the best education and nurturing, youth could aspire to greatness.
It is worth noting that despite the presence of qualified and competent professionals holding the required qualifications and educational standards for Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Treasurers, and Controller Examinations in prestigious educational institutions in the country, the rampant corruption, ineffective policies, flawed practices, negligence, dereliction of duties, and favoritism have plunged the esteemed institutions of higher education into turmoil.
Today, progressive societies are busy providing their youth with opportunities for higher education and grooming them to step foot on the moon, with experiments underway to reach for the sun. However, contrary to this, in our beloved country, particularly in Punjab, there seems to be a lack of attention towards providing professional education and training along desired lines to the younger generation. This negligence has left our esteemed educational institutions grappling with degrees that hold little practical value, drowning in bureaucratic quagmires, and shackled by financial constraints.
In Punjab the most significant contributors to the decline in educational standards are the dismal state of higher education institutions established to promote excellence in education. The shameful and regrettable condition to which these institutions have deteriorated raises questions about our priorities. The promotion of higher education and research in line with international standards requires concerted efforts at the federal level, with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, as well as at the provincial level with the Higher Education Department Punjab and the Punjab Higher Education Commission.
However, the escalating crisis unfolds as new institutions are established while flawed policies lead to a deterioration in the quality of existing higher education institutions. Before addressing the dysfunctionality of higher education institutions in Punjab, it’s essential to shed light on the lack of seriousness in filling key positions in Universities.
The current state of university governance in Punjab is a cause for concern, with nearly 26 universities operating without regular Vice Chancellors, including Punjab University, which has been led by a Pro-VC for over a year. The tenure of Vice Chancellors in dozens universities has expired for over a year, leaving many universities functioning on ‘auto’. This situation has led to unfilled statutory positions, lack of meetings in statutory bodies, and consequent governance and academic issues. Syndicate meetings, meant to be held four times a year, are often not convened even once annually. Consequently, universities are operating without approved budgets, leading to financial irregularities. Additionally, the halt in new degree programs and faculty hiring has resulted in lower student enrollments and limited access to education. Compounding these challenges, reduced funding from HEC in 2023-24, alongside a 30% increase in salaries, further strains the functioning of universities.
The higher education departmant in Punjab presents a dire picture, with over 26 universities functioning without appointed paramanent Vice-Chancellors. Compounding this issue, positions crucial to the administrative and financial stability of these institutions, such as 22 Registrars, 27 Treasurers, and 23 Controllers of Examinations, remain vacant in public sector Universities for an extended period. This alarming vacancy rate has effectively paralyzed the administrative and financial functions of these universities, rendering them unable to operate efficiently. The absence of key leadership and administrative roles not only hampers day-to-day operations but also undermines the quality of education and services provided to students. Urgent action is required to address these staffing shortages and restore the proper functioning of Punjab’s universities, ensuring that they can fulfill their vital role in shaping the future of the region’s academic landscape.
It is distressing to note that in Punjab alone, 26 Universities are grappling with vacancies in key administrative positions of Vice Chancellors including prestigious institutions like Punjab University Lahore, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU),Thal University of Bhakkar, the University of Kamalia, The University of Layyah, University of Jhang, Gujarat University, GC University Faisalabad, University of Narowal, GC University Lahore, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan, The University of Mianwali, Rawalpindi Women University, GC Women University Sialkot, University of Home Economics Lahore, Government Sadiq College Women University Bahawalpur, Women University Multan, UET Lahore, UET Taxila, MNES University of Engineering and Technology Multan, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology Rahim Yar Khan etc.
The most concerning aspect of this dire situation is that managing finances becomes nearly impossible in institutions where key positions remain vacant. While the absence of financial managers in these institutions is distressing, it is equally surprising to note that Punjab’s 26 Universities have been operating without Vice Chancellors, over 22 Universities have registrar, 27 Universities Treasurers positions vacant and 23 Controller of Examinations for a prolonged period.
The current state of higher education institutions in Punjab paints a grim picture, reflecting our misplaced priorities. Urgent reforms are needed to revitalize these institutions and ensure they fulfill their mandate of providing quality education and fostering research in line with global standards. Without prompt and decisive action, the dream of a progressive and prosperous Pakistan will remain elusive.
The mismanagement by those responsible for running these institutions reflects a lack of vision. There have been instances where additional charges for university admissions have been arbitrarily imposed, leaving students and parents dismayed. Moreover, the imposition of additional fees has not spared even the top universities, exacerbating the financial burden on students.
What’s even more concerning is that despite numerous advertisements in the national print media for these vacant positions, qualified candidates possessing the highest qualifications and requisite experience have applied. However, these institutions have failed to make appointments based on a solid foundation, undermining the promotion of higher education.
While institutions established for the promotion of higher education are directly responsible, the Governor of Punjab, who serves as the Chancellor of universities, the Chief Minister of Punjab, who oversees the administrative affairs of these universities, the Provincial Minister for Higher Education, the Secretary of the Higher Education Department Punjab, and the Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission cannot be absolved of responsibility.
In an era of rapid technological advancement where the world has become a global village, competing internationally is not feasible with the current state of affairs. It is extremely distressing that while a few percent of students step onto the threshold of universities and higher professional institutes for higher education, there is no serious effort to align them with the standard of education, training, and research required at this time.
As a result, our youth are forced to pursue worthless degrees for daily bread, as they lack the skills required to compete in the outside world. Therefore, our policymakers must focus on institutions of higher education, universities, and engineering and technology professional institutes on an urgent basis. It is not only necessary to fill the vacancies in these institutions purely on merit, but also to establish an independent, unbiased, transparent, and unblemished search committee comprising highly reputable, conscientious, experienced, and incorruptible experts in education. Only when appointments are made based on merit and individuals with the requisite qualifications and capabilities, without any bias or pressure, are selected, can we ensure the preservation of our esteemed traditions and the magnificent legacy of higher education. These institutions will not only equip our students with education, training, and research in harmony with international standards but will also assist our youth in establishing their position and presence on the world stage.
