The quality of research in universities is deplorable
KARACHI: The expansion of existing universities and opening of new ones in the midst of a financial crunch is absurd. Now every corner of Karachi seems to be flooded with satellite campuses that have been established with the approval of the HEC with inadequate infrastructure and faculty. Resources are being diverted to the new varsities by provincial governments. Theses universities have poor infrastructure and low enrolment.
The unsatisfactory state of the education system shows up in the fact that not a single university in Pakistan is among the Times Global top 500 rankings. Our best university is ranked in the 401-500 category. Instead of pouring funds in new varsities without any planning, emphasis must be given to school level education. The quality of research in universities is deplorable. Teachers are not able to help the weak students. It looks much like the advanced version of a school instead of a varsity that should aim at conducting research and development. The basics that should have been taught in primary and secondary school are recapped at varsities. Moreover, attaining a second class in the past was considered a high achievement for students, but today, gold and silver medals are considered run of the mill. It is strange how the government keeps spending huge amounts on new varsities rather than strengthening the basic education system that could yield fruitful results in the future. The way forward is to build the capacity of existing universities with more infrastructure and facilities. There is no need to build varsities that offer similar programmes everywhere.
Ashfak Siyal
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2019.
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