An important meeting, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, took place on Friday to address critical issues concerning the financial stability of the province’s universities, research commercialization, and strategies to alleviate their current financial deficits.
During the meeting, various vital aspects were meticulously discussed, including the imperative need for universities to commercialize their research efforts, establish robust connections with industries, and equip students with modern technological skills.
Governor Ghulam Ali emphasized that universities must proactively engage in modern, market-oriented research endeavors to effectively tackle future challenges.
He also urged the Vice-Chancellors to aspire towards securing global recognition for the province’s universities by focusing on their inclusion in international rankings.
Addressing the pressing issue of financial instability, Governor Ghulam Ali asserted that rectifying the financial problems faced by universities is of utmost priority. He expressed deep concern over the current fiscal predicament of government-funded universities in the province, despite substantial government assistance, all of which were grappling with financial deficits.
“It is disheartening to witness the current financial state of our universities,” he lamented. He stressed that a collective effort is required to extricate these institutions from their financial woes and usher them towards improvement.
He placed a significant portion of the responsibility on the shoulders of the Vice-Chancellors and university management, urging them to minimize costs and explore avenues to enhance resources.
He underscored the importance of forging alternative partnerships with industries and actively promoting research commercialization, which would enable universities to attain financial self-sufficiency.
Governor Ghulam Ali reiterated these points during his address to the meeting, which was dedicated to addressing the financial resources of universities, research commercialization, and strategies to alleviate financial deficits.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Caretaker Provincial Education Minister Dr. Muhammad Qasim Jan, Vice-Chancellors from prominent institutions such as the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, University of Peshawar, Agricultural University of Peshawar, Institute of Management Sciences, and Pak-Austria Haripur University. Also present were the Directors of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) and Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) in Higher Education.
Representatives from the Commission and Department of Higher Education, as well as Principal Secretary Mazhar Arshad, actively participated in the meeting. Issues pertaining to enhancing the revenue streams of universities were thoroughly deliberated.
The governor emphasized the severity of the financial situation, predicting that if immediate action is not taken, all universities would incur significant losses over the next two years. He implored universities to take decisive steps towards financial independence by venturing into commercialization efforts and strengthening ties with industries.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2023.
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