Reforming higher education: Experts table discussion on the wrongs and rights

Educational ‘malpractices’ are the prime factors contributing to the “displacement of real knowledge from society.

KARACHI:

The persistent problem, being faced by the higher education system in Pakistan, is reflected in the teaching methodology, which is restricted to the mere dictation of notes at most universities and the examination system. 

At a panel discussion on higher education organised by the forthcoming Habib University on Saturday, physicist Dr Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy termed the educational ‘malpractices’ as the prime factors contributing to the “displacement of real knowledge from society.”



“Consistent failure in creating a viable higher education system has compelled us to search for reasons that go beyond administrative and fiscal issues,” he remarked.

For Dr Hoodbhoy, the only way out of this crisis is to develop a value system that shapes modern education. The revolutionary system must be built upon critical thinking. Sindh education minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, while focusing on the challenges and hopes associated with higher education in Pakistan, said that higher education can empower students to see the world from a fresher perspective - one where the people have a voice and know their rights.

Former provincial education minister, Prof Anita Ghulam Ali, reported that Pakistan was way behind most developing countries in terms of almost every indicator of higher education - from enrolment ratios and government funding to research output and quality of education.

Prof Ali said that the structure of governance needs to be more transparent and accountable in order to ensure that these resources are used effectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2013.