LONDON: This is with reference to Pervez Hoodbhoy’s article of February 13, titled, “Universities: telling the good from the bad”.
Universities in Pakistan are, more or less, extensions of schooling. Parents, teachers and students, all treat it that way. The ‘brand’ is important but given too much emphasis. That, of course, is the consequence of preferences of the labour market and public perception. Universities polish students through experiences and broadening horizons. A comparison between university students in Pakistan is not fair, given that the best universities (in most cases) attract the best students, who have access to better schools, teachers, tutors, life experiences, etc.
That is also the case across the world. Until we create an environment where education is valued in itself, rather than as a means to an end, we will remain fixated with rankings.
Nadir el-Edroos
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2012.
