KARACHI:
The mushroom growth of private schools across Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, warrants serious attention. Almost every street, neighbourhood and housing colony now appears to have its own private school. Education, once regarded as a noble public service, has increasingly been commercialised, with many institutions functioning more as business enterprises than centres of learning.
Although the private sector has undoubtedly helped bridge the gap left by an overburdened public education system, its rapid and largely unregulated expansion has allowed quantity to supersede quality. Far from improving educational standards, the unchecked proliferation of schools has intensified unhealthy competition, leaving many institutions struggling to remain financially viable and compelling others to compromise on teacher recruitment, infrastructure and academic standards.
One wonders how meaningful education can be imparted when teachers, despite carrying the responsibility of shaping future generations, are paid salaries that scarcely meet basic living expenses. Such exploitative employment practices inevitably affect motivation, classroom performance and staff retention. Equally concerning is the appointment of principals and administrators without adequate academic qualifications or professional training.
The danger is that education is gradually becoming another commercial commodity, with parents viewed as customers rather than partners in learning. Some institutions invest more in colourful advertisements and admission campaigns than in libraries, laboratories, teacher development and student wellbeing.
The relevant authorities must strengthen oversight of private educational institutions. Schools should undergo periodic academic and administrative evaluations, while minimum standards for teacher qualifications, principal appointments, salaries, libraries, laboratories and student safety must be enforced without exception. Institutions consistently failing to meet these standards should face meaningful penalties, including suspension of registration where necessary.
Unless quality becomes the foremost criterion, the rapid expansion of private schools will produce more buildings than learning, and more certificates than educated minds.
Riaz Mahar
Sukkur
