109 companies to meet over 9,000 candidates

Sindh HEC chair calls for educational reforms in view of declining CSS standards

KARACHI:

The Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) is gearing up to host a groundbreaking job fair in the metropolitan city, set to connect 109 companies with over 9,000 students seeking career opportunities.

While addressing a press conference at the Sindh HEC headquarters on Wednesday, Chairman Tariq Rafi disclosed that 109 companies from various sectors will participate in the daylong job fair named "Career Connect 2024", slated for May 9 at the Expo Centre. Over 9,000 students are expected to turn up to seek internships and job openings offered by corporate entities and multinational firms.

Rafi stressed that the main objective of the job fair is to strengthen the link between academia and industry. The event will facilitate direct interactions between students and industry representatives, allowing students to submit their CVs and engage in interviews on-site, he added.

With the collaboration of Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the Karachi University (KU), students from universities across Sindh will receive temporary accommodation in the hostels on campus.

Discussing the issue of university faculty salaries, Rafi clarified that while universities in Sindh receive funds from the federal government and an allocation of Rs35 billion from the provincial government, they are expected to manage their expenses within their budgets. To ensure transparency, an independent audit from a third party, particularly from the "A category" of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is planned for giving grants to public universities.

Rafi also revealed that both private and public universities are undergoing inspections, with the final ranking expected to be compiled by September. Moreover, the HEC has launched a scholarship program for PhD and MPhil students to enhance the education system in Sindh.

The job fair will not only facilitate job opportunities but also provide a platform for students to showcase their projects at the Expo Centre. This initiative aims to attract potential investors and foster collaboration between academia and industries. The partnership with the chamber of commerce further extends the reach of employment opportunities for students.

While expressing concern over the declining standards of the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, Rafi underlined the need for educational reforms. Despite a large number of participants, the pass percentage was only 2.96%, indicating the necessity for improvement.

Dr Noman Ahsan, Director General of the Sindh HEC, spoke about the significance of the job far, stressing its focus on job opportunities rather than self-promotion. The event, scheduled from 9.30am to 5.30pm, aims to secure 1,500 jobs, with each university overseeing its own points system.

Ahsan also acknowledged the disparity in opportunities between urban and rural students, noting efforts to bridge this gap through training sessions and capacity-building programs. Sindh HEC Secretary Moin Siddiqui, emphasised the importance of training programs to enhance the education system, particularly through initiatives like the National Education Policy Act (NEPA).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2024.