Tribal heartlands: 7 colleges to have BS programmes

PESHAWAR:

The FATA Directorate of Education is planning to start BS programmes for various disciplines in seven colleges of the tribal areas. “Principals of seven colleges have been directed to start admissions in BS programmes in the coming academic session,” an official of the education department told The Express Tribune. “The programmes will be introduced at Miranshah College in North Waziristan, Khar Degree College in Bajaur, Yaka Ghund College in Mohmand Agency, Landikotal and Jamrud colleges of Khyber Agency and two colleges of Kurram Agency.”

If the four-year BS programmes succeed, the two-year graduation degree programmes i.e. BA and BSc, would be abolished. Educationists are of the view that the two-year graduate degree programmes are not preparing students to compete at an international level. Therefore, the new education system in tribal areas will help students get education abroad. “The plan aims to help our students get admitted to universities in developed countries,” said the official.

Sher Alam, a teacher from Landikotal, said despite their desire to get educated, majority of people in tribal areas cannot afford an education for their children. This deprives them of basic rights. “Someone had to take the initiative to bring the tribal people at par with the developed parts of the country, especially in terms of education,” he added.

“In developed countries, it takes 18 years for a student to complete education till masters, but in Pakistan it takes them 16 years,” said Dr Faizullah Jan, a professor at the Journalism Department of the University of Peshawar. “The BS programmes will help students get an education of international standards.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2015.