SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD:
Recent reports from the entry tests of universities in Sindh have painted a bleak picture of the standard of education in the province. Many students who undertook the entry tests of Shah Abdul Latif University and Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology (QUEST) failed to secure passing marks. The universities were compelled to reduce the passing marks to allow the majority of the students to gain admission.
The University of Sindh has reduced its passing marks to just 25% while the QUEST has gone even further offering three attempts to students to get their scores up to an acceptable level. This is extremely unacceptable and requires urgent action to overhaul the education sector in the province. Rampant cheating in exams and corruption within departments have further compromised the quality of education. The A-1 grade, which was once considered the pinnacle of academic excellence has now lost its appeal. Students frequently pay different amounts of money to attain grades without studying or sitting the exam.
The provincial education department needs to reform the education system in Sindh by allocating sufficient funds and resources for public schools and colleges. All teachers and examiners must be hired on merit. Cheating and other unfair practices must be dealt with strictly to ensure that all students are qualified for university admissions.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2023.
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