Rana Sikandar Hayat orders probe into Layyah University affairs

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has ordered immediate inquiries into reported irregularities at the University of Layyah, directing officials to conduct transparent investigations and present their findings at the next syndicate meeting.

Chairing the university’s syndicate meeting, Hayat made it clear that those found responsible for corruption or misconduct would not be given any concession.

“Conduct a transparent inquiry and present the report at the next syndicate meeting. There will be no leniency towards corrupt elements,” the minister said, according to the information shared by his office.

He also directed university officials to ensure that all recruitment remained subject to syndicate approval. The complete record of every hiring decision must be presented before the syndicate to strengthen transparency and accountability in administrative matters.

University Enrollment More Than Doubles in Two Years

Alongside the accountability measures, the meeting reviewed the university’s progress in student enrollment, academic expansion, scholarships and the Punjab government’s laptop scheme.

According to the briefing, student enrollment at the University of Layyah has increased from 3,110 in 2024 to 6,910 in 2026, representing more than a twofold rise in two years.

Hayat attributed the growing enrollment to improvements in higher education and reforms introduced under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He said the province’s public-sector universities had witnessed a significant increase in admissions compared with previous years, adding that the government’s reforms were helping improve educational standards.

New Degree Programmes and Campus Facilities

The minister said the University of Layyah had expanded its academic offerings over the past two years, introducing 11 new degree programmes, including six BS programmes, three MPhil programmes and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme.

The university has also strengthened its campus facilities, with the establishment of a daycare centre, a microbiology laboratory and a fish farm. Two girls’ hostels have also been upgraded to improve accommodation facilities for female students.

These initiatives aim to broaden academic opportunities and provide students with improved learning and campus facilities.

Scholarships and Laptop Scheme Support Students

The meeting was informed that more than 1,000 students at the University of Layyah had benefited from the chief minister’s laptop scheme.

Over the past two years, the university has also distributed scholarships worth more than Rs87.5 million among 1,081 students, helping support their educational expenses.

Hayat further announced that 12 additional buses would soon be provided to colleges in Layyah to improve transport facilities and make education more accessible.

The meeting highlighted the university’s rapid growth while placing renewed emphasis on transparent recruitment, financial accountability and effective administration.

The minister’s directives signal that the provincial government’s focus on expanding higher education will be accompanied by closer scrutiny of university affairs, with the findings of the ordered inquiries expected to be presented at the next syndicate meeting.