Revive universities

Letter March 06, 2023
Revive universities

KARACHI:

Recently, newly appointed teachers at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology (FUUAST) claimed that they have not received their salaries since their joining. The matter is related to the Selection Board of 2013 and 2021 in which fresh appointments and promotions were made at the university. However, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has refused to release funds for the salary of new teachers. Consequently, the senate of FUUAST asked the HEC to scrutinise and validate the process of the selection board.

Even the permanent faculty and staff members receive a couple of months’ salary together. Many departments already have several vacant positions and lack the resources to operate properly. This attitude is a gross injustice to students who are paying hefty fees for low-quality education. A similar situation occurred at Karachi University a few weeks ago. The two largest public universities in Karachi do not have permanent vice-chancellors (VC) and the acting VCs have mishandled administrative affairs causing dissatisfaction among faculty and students.

Despite annual increments in fees, the universities have failed to fulfil their responsibilities such as appointing competent professors and facilitating students through different resources. The majority of the key positions in these universities are lying vacant, which has led to a mismanagement of university affairs. For the sake of the students, HEC must take note of the issue and implement a plan for regular appointments. The hiring process should merit-based and transparent.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2023.

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