Aitchison College principal quits over interference

Governor House sources defend role in fee waiver

LAHORE:

Aitchison College Principal Michael A Thomson has resigned, blaming pressure on the administration from the Punjab governor's office among the reasons.

In his resignation letter sent to the governor's secretariat and college administration, that amidst extreme bad governance, he was left with no other choice but to leave the institution.

Sources in the college said the governor had used his powers to waive the fees and fine of former bureaucrat and Federal Minister Ahad Cheema's sons despite the college administration’s unwillingness.

On the other hand, sources in the Governor House said the office had already accepted the resignation and a search committee had been set up for the appointment of a new principal.

In his letter, Michael A Thomson stressed the dignity and integrity of the education institution, while condemning political interference in its matters.

"This is not how I planned to leave Aitchison, but I will share with you that a continuation of very poor governance has left me no other choice. Throughout my time as principal, I have done my very best to protect the school’s reputation while extending compassion to those in need. However, there is a crucial difference in this pursuit and blatant policy manufacturing to accommodate certain individuals because such people simply insist on preferential treatment. Politics and nepotism have no space in schools,” he wrote.

He claimed that over the past year, prejudiced actions by the Governor House had contributed to a breakdown of governance and management, under which he had to finally draw a line. “It seems incredulous to me, and quite possibly to most other people, that a school so successful can be subjected to such unwarranted interference and brazen directives,” he added.

He stated that a foreigner did not venture to another country with less than pure intent and nor should that person act in any way to encourage or facilitate what he considered to be wrong.

“I leave on April 1 and will not play any role in the management of upcoming admissions,” wrote Michael A Thomson in his letter.

Meanwhile, sources in the Governor House insisted that fee concession had been given to former bureaucrat Cheema's sons on merit as they were not studying in the college during the period. The family had shifted to Islamabad so the fee relaxation had been given, which would also be given to other students, they said.

The sources said the principal had resigned last year and he had been requested to continue to serve till August this year.

They said the search committee had initiated the process for the appointment of a new principal. A new principal was likely to be appointed in the coming month, the sources added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.