The editorial titled ‘Privatising varsities’ published in The Express Tribune on October 21, 2024, presents a viewpoint I strongly disagree with. The truth is that most public universities, with a few exceptions, fail to deliver the quality education required today. Students are only taught the basics and surface-level information about their subjects, leaving them deprived of in-depth knowledge, critical thinking skills and a true educational experience.
The semester system has further exacerbated the decline of our education system. What is the benefit of a system where a teacher controls 50% of the marks, allowing them to allocate grades based on personal discretion? Moreover, public universities set their own exam papers, often based on just a few lectures or limited topics covered by their respective departments. Why aren’t exam papers set by professors from other institutions to ensure fairness and academic rigour?
This system has turned public universities into a mockery. Additionally, the closure of universities for two days a week, with Friday being an unofficial day off, results in a situation where only a few teachers are present and lessons are seldom conducted. In the light of these failings, public universities should be privatised — sooner rather than later.
Mohammad Fayyaz
Charsadda
