In limbo : Six universities operate without permanent VCs

KARACHI:

For any institution of higher learning to flourish, consistent leadership is essential. In Sindh, however, six universities remain without a permanent vice chancellor, even after receiving approval from the selection body.

According to details gathered by The Express Tribune, despite clear recommendations from the search committee for appointing vice chancellors at public universities in Sindh, the summaries for these appointments have not been sent to the Chief Minister, who holds the final authority in these matters.

Sources reveal that despite receiving clearance from security agencies, the files of selected candidates have yet to be advanced by the Minister for Universities and Boards and the newly appointed department secretary.

These institutions include Sheikh Ayaz University in Shikarpur, the University of Mirpurkhas, the University of Larkana, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University in Benazirabad (Nawab Shah), the Sufism University of Modern Sciences in Bhit Shah, and the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (Szabul).

When asked about the delay in appointments, Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman, Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and head of the selection committee, shifted responsibility to the Department of Universities and Boards.

“There is no delay on the part of the committee. The Department of Universities and Boards can provide proper information in this regard. We have completed our work,” Dr. Rafi said.

Insiders also reveal that efforts are being made to increase the marks of some candidates and send them to the Chief Minister, for which the members of the search committee are not ready. The Express Tribune contacted Abbas Baloch, the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Universities and Boards, but he did not provide a response.

According to sources within the department, attempts are being made to convince members of the search committee to alter the final marks of some candidates so that their appointments can be made. So far, the committee has not given into any such demand.

Meanwhile, ad hoc appointments have become routine across the province. The Karachi-based law university has lacked a permanent vice chancellor for over a year. Similarly, Sheikh Ayaz University has been without one for several months, while Shah Latif University in Khairpur, Lyari University, and the newly established University of Medicine, Karachi Metropolitan University, have also been operating without permanent vice chancellors.

According to procedure, once a vice chancellor’s term ends, the Higher Education Commission and the Department of Universities and Boards generate a summary seeking either the extension of the current vice chancellor’s term or the appointment of a new leader. Once the summary for fresh appointment receives approval from the Chief Minister’s office, the departments are required to form a search committee, which then recommends candidates for appointment to the chief minister.