Predators in education

The prey is right in their sight. It is not just the weakest one. It is also those who want, desperately, to move up the social ladder. Those who for one reason or another have not been able to see their names on the admission list at elite universities are the perfect target. So are those who desire to be among the ones who have made it in society. The predators also operate in plain sight. Sometimes with bright coloured ads in newspapers and sometimes through banners in working class neighbourhoods.

The predatory institutions promise people the moon and more, with pictures stolen from the internet of white students looking all merry in sunshine and leafy campuses. These ‘universities’ and ‘institutes’ offer nothing of value, charge exuberant fees and fuel the economy of predatory practices. Customers who have genuine desires for improving their chances of social mobility are lured in and taught by underpaid and poorly qualified staff. Post completion of fake degrees, the students continue to suffer, arguably with a lighter pocket. The institutes continue to prosper, with a lot more in their bank.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in its defence argues that they publish the list of fake and illegal universities and institutes on its website. They also say that the website is updated regularly. But clearly that is not working. The phony institutes are growing and despite being on the so-called black list, their websites and campuses continue to promote fraud. The fact that despite being on the list, these campuses exist, and in many cases continue to grow, is a reminder of how corrupt our system is. It is also an indication of an institution that despite the right intention is unable to protect those who are most vulnerable. A website is simply not going to be enough. How many people, before they become victims of educational predators, check the HEC website to see if the institution they are about to enter is on the approved list or a black list?

The list on the HEC website has nearly 150 institutions that are listed as illegal. That means that over 150 institutions, around the country, are offering something that they are not authorised to do. That alone should not be acceptable. The fact that the illegal activity is related to education makes it all the more troubling. This is no different than having 150 fake hospitals that promise you a healthier future and cure for your ailment, but instead offer nothing but a poorly packaged placebo and charge you an arm and a leg. The HEC website, while a step in the right direction, is a sign of weakness and an institution that lacks the will and the backing of the judicial system to clamp down on those who are known to be fraudsters.

This must change. The minister of interior, in his current and former roles, has spoken extensively about knowledge economy, growth of education and holding our institutions accountable. From what I have seen personally in a meeting with him in Boston, and have heard from colleagues who have worked with him, I know that education is high on his radar. I may not agree with him on some matters, but I know that he cares deeply and genuinely about improving the quality of education in the country. I find it most troubling that his ministry allows the charlatans to steal in broad daylight. No political party or government should allow that genuine desire for education be traded for shallow promises and fake degrees and that too at a hefty price.

At this juncture in history, we need quality education more than ever to reduce social inequity, increase awareness and promote rational discourse, getting tough on predatory practices in education should be among the highest priorities. The sacred well of education should never be poisoned. There should be no space for those who prey upon our future.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2017.

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