Most universities’ faculties lack capacity: HEC chief

Says they need special training for skill development in teaching methods

ISLAMABAD: There is a vital need for skill development and capacity building of the universities' faculty in teaching methods by providing them special training, said Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri.

"We are capable of providing quality education in government educational institutions; equivalent to that of private institutions because all students have potential to excel. Therefore, we need to overcome the weaknesses of faculties and students. We have to improve their English and math skills and develop their computer skills to bring them at par with private institutes" he informed.

He further stated that the HEC plans on taking all necessary measures to strengthen the higher education sector across the country.  On Friday, HEC Chairman informed that he intends to strengthen national educational institutes aiming to bring them up to the level of International universities.



While sharing his priorities regarding education sector, newly appointed HEC chairman vowed to focus on the promotion of quality education as it was the only way to take place among top-ranked universities. "Quality research in higher education is vital to meeting market demands, especially to compete with top-ranked world universities, and HEC would give priority to it" he added.

Dr Banuri further informed that academic issues in the nation will be resolved on a priority basis, adding that, in this regard, the HEC will start its work from Balochistan's higher educational institutes, and then move on to the rest.

The students' unions should be restored as they develop knowledge about the political system among students and gives them a chance to present themselves in politics, he stated. He said that the flaws should be eradicated from students unions, adding; he had also been a part of students union in his youth.

By achieving above said targets, he said that the differences in the education sector will be resolved so that Pakistani institutes can be at par with international institutes, he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2018.