Challenges to higher education

HECs plans to up HEIs budget by 5.5% falls short of crucial steps needed for improving education standards

Despite an increase in the overall enrolment of students in higher education institutes (HEIs) over the years, the majority of Pakistan’s HEIs are struggling to operate amid challenging economic conditions and persistent budget cuts. In another major blow, the federal government decided not to increase the overall funding for higher education and reduced the individual funds allocated to universities in all four provinces by 1.5%.

In the last few years, different universities’ faculties have staged protests and strikes due to delays in salary payments. Students from across the country have complained of the absence of basic facilities and miscellaneous services at federal universities. Many universities have been forced to lay off academic staff, cut spending on libraries, laboratories, etc, and shut down entire departments to reduce costs. Others have resorted to taking loans to continue operating. The federal government’s disregard for the dire financial situation of higher education is disconcerting because higher education is a primary driver of socioeconomic growth and development in today’s world. There are countless examples of countries that have invested in higher education to build human capital and boost technological advancements. Unfortunately, Pakistan continues to lag in research and innovation because the country’s HEIs are barely getting by.

The Higher Education Commission plans to increase the individual budget of federal universities by 5.5%, but this is not enough to improve the overall standard of higher education. Universities will require sufficient assistance and funds to recruit competent academic staff, incorporate digital technologies and provide deserving students with scholarships. The Sindh government has increased grants for universities, and other provincial governments should follow suit so as to lift some burden off the universities. A bulging youth population with poor educational prospects is not a good look for Pakistan nor will it serve the country well in the long term.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2023.

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