HEC Chief Highlights Governance Challenges in Pakistan's Higher Education

The higher education sector in Pakistan is currently facing significant challenges, particularly in the areas of governance and quality assurance. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), recently addressed these pressing issues during a media briefing at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad. He emphasized that effective governance is crucial for enhancing the quality of education and research in public sector universities.

Dr. Ahmed pointed out that the governance issues within universities not only hinder educational quality but also contribute to financial difficulties that many institutions are experiencing. He stated, "Let us be very clear about it. The more we focus on improving governance mechanisms of our higher learning institutions, the more it will enhance the quality of education and research and also resolve the financial challenges that many universities are grappling with." This statement underscores the importance of a well-structured governance system in fostering a conducive learning environment.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ahmed acknowledged the remarkable progress made by the higher education sector over the past two decades. Since its establishment in 2002, the HEC has worked diligently to improve various aspects of higher education, including faculty development, research promotion, technological readiness, and international collaboration. He expressed gratitude towards the government for its support, especially during times of financial constraints, and urged both federal and provincial governments to allocate more resources to the sector.

"Funding of the higher education sector has been stagnant for the last many years while the number of universities has been increasing quite rapidly," Dr. Ahmed noted. He commended the Government of Sindh for its substantial financial support to provincial universities and encouraged other provinces to follow suit. This call for increased funding is vital, as it directly impacts the quality of education and the resources available to students and faculty.

Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the advancements made in creating a supportive ecosystem for universities to thrive and compete globally. He mentioned that while Pakistani researchers have produced significant work across various disciplines, it is essential for them to focus on research that addresses the social and economic needs of the country. He stated, "There is no lack of funding for research; our researchers only need to focus on the right areas that have a direct impact on society and the economy." This insight emphasizes the need for research to be relevant and beneficial to the community.

In terms of technological readiness, Dr. Ahmed assured that preparations are underway to equip faculty and students for the rapidly changing digital landscape. He mentioned that the HEC's IT team is implementing extensive plans to update systems, ensuring that the higher education community can keep pace with global advancements.

Furthermore, the Chairman discussed various policies launched by the HEC aimed at improving educational quality and research standards. He emphasized the importance of engaging with stakeholders to ensure that policies are timely and aligned with societal needs and international best practices. The HEC is also focusing on accreditation matters and the establishment of new institutions to enhance the educational landscape.

Dr. Ahmed also touched upon the scholarships offered by the HEC for BS, MS, and PhD studies, highlighting the success of scholars who have excelled when given opportunities. He noted that the HEC serves as a nurturing ground for athletes, with many players trained under its programs achieving success in national and international competitions.

In response to questions regarding the job market, Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of establishing academia-industry partnerships and making internships mandatory for degree completion. He also confirmed the integration of entrepreneurship courses to empower students to become job creators, addressing the pressing issue of job shortages.

While acknowledging the rising costs of education, Dr. Ahmed clarified that controlling university fees is beyond the HEC's jurisdiction. However, he assured that the commission remains committed to supporting institutions through policies, funding, and scholarships.

The challenges facing Pakistan's higher education sector are significant, but with focused governance, increased funding, and relevant research, there is potential for substantial improvement. The commitment from the HEC and the government to enhance the quality of education and research is a positive step towards building a stronger educational framework that can meet the needs of the country and its future generations.