Varsities to gradually resume classes

HEC chief reposes faith in VCs, refutes ‘single policy’

ISLAMABAD:

Closed for nearly six months, higher educational institutions, like their primary and secondary counterparts, will start to gradually reopen from September 15 next month as the apex higher education body reposed its faith in the respective heads of institutions.

This was discussed during the 32nd meeting of the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) Committee on Friday. More than 150 VCs, rectors, and presidents of universities from across the country participated in the meeting to discuss details of the reopening institutions.

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri said the commission and the federal government have full confidence in the VCs that they will be able to adopt all measures necessary for protecting people on campus from the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) without compromising the quality and delivery of education.

“I call upon all of you to resist any attempts to lower the quality of education,” he emphasised, adding that universities will follow HEC’s guidelines to contain the spread of Covid-19 and will firmly implement their respective reopening policies.

HEC instructs educators to start e-learning by June 1

These guidelines include measures to screen potentially infected individuals, and the minimum standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as face masks in public places, maintain social distancing and undertake strict monitoring to identify and isolate any incidence of the disease.

Further, he said that varsities must maintain active surveillance of health conditions, earmarking isolation facilities, and facilitating access to medical and isolation facilities apart from keeping close liaison with district administration officials, health departments, and medical universities in their vicinity.

Within these guidelines, Dr Banuri said, universities have to adopt suitable policies regarding rotation of courses or other measures to ensure proper social distancing and manage population density.

He strongly refuted reports that the HEC had directed all universities to adopt a ‘single policy for rotation of courses or managing social density.

The HEC chief said universities should adopt the policies and measures that suit their respective circumstances, and in line with their local needs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2020.