Unrecognised varsities
Higher education in Pakistan continues to remain in peril with many universities operating without the consent of HEC and handing out degrees to students that are ultimately worthless without proper attestation. In support of HEC, the Peshawar High Court recently quashed a petition for the re-verification of a BBA degree awarded by the Orient University, an institution not recognised by the commission. The judgement has also rightfully declared that the court will stay out of matters that are under the ambit of HEC.
Despite calls for accreditations and various warnings issued by HEC, and despite the fact that lists of recognised are announced each year, students continue to apply in droves to such institutions with hopes and promises that something might be done in the future. It is equally astounding that universities continue to operate in the shadows while knowing full well that the degrees being distributed are worthless for students. By now, HEC should realise that this is a serious concern that involves putting at grave risk future of the youth of Pakistan. HEC’s advertising campaign against these unrecognised universities either does not have enough outreach or university administrations remain carefree about it. Strict measures must now be taken to curtail the practice. Ideally, HEC should form a taskforce to identify and penalise universities not willing to get registered or not meeting the criteria. Students who have paid for their degrees must be reimbursed or compensated accordingly by these universities. It must also be noted that some universities have been given NOCs by provincial governments, therefore the proposed taskforce must work in tandem with relevant provincial governments to ameliorate the issue.
There is of course always the other side of the story as HEC has long been muddled with corruption allegations. This must be strictly dealt with by higher officials. Until then, it is requested that students do not waste their time and money by applying to such universities.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2022.
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