Task force on educational reforms holds meeting

PESHAWAR:

The second meeting of the Task Force Committee on higher education reforms was held at the Khyber Medical University (KMU) under the supervision of the Vice Chancellor Meritorious, Professor Dr Ziaul Haq on Tuesday.

The committee, formed by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and chaired by the KMU VC, saw full participation of its members, Dr Shafiqur Rehman, Adviser QA (HED), Prof Dr Jameel Ahmad, HEC (IT) Islamabad, Prof Dr Abdus Salam Khalis, Prof Dr Hafeezullah, Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, Prof Dr Yureed Ahsan of the University of Peshawar, Dr Usman Ghani, Director of IM Sciences, Prof Dr Gul Muhammad, UET Peshawar, Dr Zahoor Khan, IM Sciences Peshawar, Faridullah, Director Colleges, Dr Abdullah Sadiq, and Dr Mohsin Habib, Deputy Secretary Universities.

In line with the instructions issued by the Chief Minister and the terms of reference (TOR) provided by the Higher Education Department, the committee prepared a foundational outline to guide its recommendations to the provincial government which aim at bringing significant improvements to higher education in the province, potentially sparking a revolutionary change. 

The committee discussed the current status of higher education in K-P and the steps proposed for its improvement, focusing on sectoral plans, policy recommendations, optimal utilization of funds and resources, financial crisis management, and resource optimization at institutions of higher education.

Other key topics included linking higher education institutions with industries for resource-sharing, enhancing industry-academia collaboration, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), Quality Assurance Cells (QAC), meeting practical needs based on international best practices, and improving the quality and development of faculty at higher educational institutions.

The committee also discussed the current status of faculty and challenges in faculty development, and suggested changes to the existing legal framework to facilitate these improvements.

It also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, K-P Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi and Higher Education Secretary Arshad Khan, and committed to submitting their collective recommendations to the provincial government within a month. 

The recommendations will be presented by the head of the committee and are expected to mark significant milestones for the advancement of higher education in the province.