Education: true strength of a nation

Investing in education drives national progress. Pakistan must prioritise education to enhance its global standing.

Education is the true ornament of a nation. Those who recognise its importance invest their resources in empowering their people to pursue education as a primary goal. Nations that prioritise their educational institutions inevitably reap the benefits, witnessing progress across various sectors - economically, socially and politically. These countries stand as model examples of moral education and scientific advancement, shaping some of the most successful civilisations in history.

The human revolution began with the command iqra, meaning to read, in the name of the Creator. This divine instruction indicates the value of seeking knowledge, emphasised in the Holy Quran, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Before this revelation, much of what was true was hidden, as mystics might claim. Prophets and religious scholars have long advocated for education, recognising it as preliminary for survival.

Philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle also stressed the role of education as a path to wisdom and national progress. In today's world, nations that excel in education lead others. For example, Norway allocates the highest percentage of its GDP to education at 6.6%, followed by Chile (6.5%), Israel (6.2%), Australia (6.1%) and the US and the UK (6.0%). Japan, China and India are also among those that prioritise education. These nations understand that their commitment to education directly affects their global standing.

The current statistics on universities worldwide present a clear picture. India has 5,349 universities, Indonesia 3,277, the United States 3,180, China 2,495, Brazil 1,264 and Russia 1,010. Meanwhile, Pakistan lags behind with only 220 universities and an education budget below 2%, falling short of global Sustainable Development Goals.

Countries that make investment in schools, colleges and universities provide their citizens with a broad understanding of various disciplines, marking them as distinct civilisations. Their commitment to quality education is evident not only in their infrastructure but also in the outcomes that drive national development.

Recent global rankings show the gap in living standards, political stability and educational quality among countries. Those that invest in education position themselves at the forefront of global progress. Pakistan ranks low due to its low literacy rate.

I recently had the opportunity to read Duniya Joon Darsgahoon (The World Universities) by Professor (retd) Mukhtiar Ahmed Samo, a respected educational scholar, poet, and columnist. His work, the first of its kind in Sindhi literature, focuses on 81 universities across Europe, America and Asia, detailing their role in providing quality education and research vital for societal growth.

The book also shares inspiring stories of students who worked hard to achieve their dreams, gaining admission to prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. These students, many of whom received fully funded scholarships, were supported by student welfare societies that helped them continue their education abroad. The book serves as a guide for aspiring students from humble backgrounds who wish to study overseas.

With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, Professor Samo established an institute in Larkana in 1992, dedicating himself to educating Sindhi students to become responsible citizens. Since its establishment, a number of students have been taught English at his institute, the 'Knowledge Centre', including many physically disabled students who receive scholarships. Many of his former students now serve in various fields, including the bureaucracy, judiciary and other professions.

His selfless contributions to education in Larkana - a city known for its rich cultural heritage and as the home of political leaders such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto - are invaluable. The educational progress in this small district of Sindh deserves wide recognition and appreciation.

Investing in education is crucial for national advancement. As we look to the future, it is vital for Pakistan to raise its educational standards and expand its commitment to developing an informed and capable citizenry. History teaches us that no other resource can uplift a nation's development as effectively as the pursuit of knowledge. The nations that have achieved progress have done so through their relentless quest for education.