HEC found lacking

The body lacks necessary tools to accurately verify authenticity of any degree

As many aspects of political and administrative life in Pakistan lack uniformity, procedure and strictly enforced systems, so too does the functioning of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). It has now come to light that the body lacks the necessary tools to accurately verify the authenticity or otherwise of any degree referred to it for scrutiny and attestation. According to a report in this paper, there does not exist an online database to which the HEC can refer, and with which it can carry out a system of cross-checks with higher education institutions. In light of the various fake degree fiascos that have been witnessed in the recent past, one does not know whether to be shocked by the HEC’s inefficiency, or whether the numbness to this all-too-familiar scenario overshadows any feeling.

It would do well for us to recall how painful a time it was back in 2010 when the reputation of our entire political class was on the line after the Supreme Court ordered education authorities to vet the records of more than 1,000 legislators following media reports which suggested that many politicians were suspected of submitting dubious degrees to stand for the 2008 elections. As the verification process started, some were indeed found to have lied about their academic certificates. But to think that the problem of academic dishonesty concerns only the high and mighty, such as our politicos, will be patently incorrect. The problem transcends all levels of society. It’s for the authorities not to fall for the guiles of the crooked. The internal controls of universities should be so robust that no one in their degree-issuing departments should be able to play in the hands of unsavoury characters trying to get forged certificates issued. More importantly, the HEC must be equipped with the necessary tools to accurately verify the authenticity or otherwise of any degree referred to it for scrutiny and attestation. It must have the wherewithal and latest technology to fill any loopholes in its system. Degree attestation and accreditation is a delicate task. The HEC needs to perform it with a high degree of professionalism.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2015.

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