Market-driven courses ordered in universities
Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah appointed as interim chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on November 11, 2023. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, has urged vice-chancellors to introduce market-based courses for ongoing university admissions.
Emphasizing the swift implementation of the provincial government’s Human Capital Export Strategy, he directed all concerned departments and institutions to expedite their efforts with clear targets and well-planned activities.
During a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House in Peshawar, the caretaker chief minister, along with cabinet members and key officials, discussed the need for collaboration and effective contributions from all stakeholders.
The meeting included representatives from TEVTA, ETEA, PMRU, Foreign Aids, SIDB, IT Board, and relevant institutions. Via video link, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, vice-chancellors of public sector universities, chairmen of educational boards, and other partners also participated.
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The meeting delved into a detailed gap analysis between universities and provincial government departments.
Various strategies were proposed to bridge these gaps, encompassing the creation of specialized postgraduate healthcare programs, integration of hands-on training and internships, introduction of specialized courses in cutting-edge technology, updated vocational training programs, integration of modern vocational and digital skills training, and soft skills development into Madrassa education.
To implement these strategies, an action plan was presented, outlining interventions, institutional frameworks, stipulated timelines, and expected outcomes.
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The caretaker chief minister stressed the urgency of bridging the gap between universities and provincial departments. He directed immediate steps for this purpose and called for a separate meeting with the vice-chancellors of public sector universities.
Highlighting the significance of teamwork, the caretaker chief minister emphasized collaborative efforts to implement the flagship program effectively.
He assured full support from the provincial government and pledged to address any reservations on a priority basis. Recognizing the pivotal role of public sector universities, he urged them to be proactive in the process.
In addition, the caretaker chief minister instructed authorities to take necessary steps to maximize the utilization of existing scholarships within public sector universities.
He also called for efforts to attract new scholarships in different fields to facilitate deserving and talented youth in the province.
Overall, the focus remains on empowering the youth through education and collaborative initiatives.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2024