Some private varsities operating on papers only: Sindh HEC

Grants university status to Education College; will operate under public-private-partnership

KARACHI:

The Education College, located in Federal B Area, Block 15, has been granted the status of a university to be operated under a public-private partnership as a degree-awarding institute. The grant of varsity status followed a recent mandatory visit by a team of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC).

During the visit, College Education Secretary Asif Ikram briefed the committee, which included vice chancellors. Nauman Ahsan, Director General of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee, confirmed to The Express Tribune that the college has undergone two inspections so far as part of the chartering process. "There are plans to operate the university under a public-private partnership, with the possibility of collaborating with Cambridge University to enhance higher education in the field of education," he added.

However, the committee also raised concerns about the functioning of several private universities in Sindh, including Karachi. According to Ahsan, five or six private universities are operating on paper, with no actual classes being held throughout the week.

When questioned, these institutions claimed to offer weekend classes, though their authenticity has been called into question. Reports suggest that these universities are running programs without holding regular classes, and some faculty members do not meet the standards set by the HEC.

Ahsan stressed that the faculty appointments in these private institutions are often inconsistent with HEC requirements. Many universities have appointed teachers to high-ranking positions, such as associate professors and professors, without fulfilling the necessary research paper and academic qualifications required for such roles. In contrast, faculty appointments in government universities are based on rigorous standards, including research publication requirements.

The Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee is now preparing to take action against these private universities for failing to meet HEC standards. Ahsan also pointed out that many of these institutions lack accreditation from relevant professional councils, raising concerns about the quality of education being offered and the potential difficulties students may face.

One particular private university has raised alarm for running a medical program without an NOC from the federal HEC. Some universities are also operating campuses on industrial land, a situation that was not disclosed when they originally applied for approval.

The committee is working on measures to address these issues, including taking formal action against non-compliant private universities.