Absurd PhD policy

The rather unusual policy of the HEC introduced at the start of the year to allow for students to get admission to a PhD programme right after receiving their Bachelor’s degree has been met with staunch criticism. The situation indicates that those heading the HEC are not at all fit for their roles since they are oblivious of how a basic higher education system is supposed to work.

Ideally, a student first pursues a Master’s degree to gain experience in conducting research and writing a thesis before they plan to pursue a PhD. Earning a PhD means that you are a specialist of a specific topic in a specific field. Surely the HEC cannot expect students to run before they can even walk. Also, it was negligence on part of the HEC not to include stakeholders, universities most of all, who were kept in the dark about the policy till the last moment. Even after consultation meetings were held, following harsh criticism, they were not taken into consideration. In a recent Vice Chancellors Committee meeting held in collaboration with the British Council, 178 out of 180 participants rejected the changes, claiming that they did not align with ground realities.

Even if Pakistan had a world-class education system, such a decision would still be absurd. However, considering the reality of our education system — teaching outdated syllabi and marred with corruption and nepotism — the decision will have grave implications for the country. Not only will students find the direct transition from undergraduate study to a doctorate one rather arduous, it will also decrease the overall quality of those who hold PhD degrees. Many might not even be able to successfully complete it.

Perhaps officials care more for quantity rather than quality to show that progress is being made. The HEC must be cognizant of long-term implications when making such changes.

Only if sincere and qualified officials are appointed at the helm can an institution work at its fullest capability. The government must make serious decisions to stop the erosion of Higher Education in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2021.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.