By Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad
A misguided notion among some bureaucrats is gaining traction, suggesting that universities can generate their own resources without investment and resources. The government has been hesitant to invest in universities, expecting them to become self-sufficient. But is this approach feasible? Let’s discuss what this means and the potential consequences of such a policy.
Higher education is a dream for many parents in Pakistan. However, our universities face numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor facilities, and over political employment issues. The government expects universities to manage their employees’ salaries and benefits through student fees being the lonely source, but this approach is unsustainable. As a result, universities are struggling to provide quality education, and the burden is being shifted to students.
A Comparison of Universities with Colleges and Factories
In contrast, colleges receive more government funding, offer affordable education, and provide better facilities at door-steps. They are responsible for producing middle-standard educated and skilled laborers who can facilitate factories and industries. Factories, on the other hand, drive economic growth but lack compulsory collaboration with universities. This disconnect hinders the development of skilled labor and innovation and students financial support as practiced in other countries.
The Role of Universities
Universities are meant to produce highly qualified professionals who can contribute to the country’s growth. They are the topmost institutions that can prepare individuals to meet the challenges of national and international levels. However, the current system prioritizes employment re-re employment based on politics and connections rather than merit based promotion. This leads to a lack of job satisfaction, burden on judiciary, poor facilities, and inadequate salaries for university employees.
The Consequences of Underfunding
The consequences of underfunding universities are far-reaching. The number of universities is increasing, but employment opportunities are limited, and government funding is decreasing. This has resulted in poor facilities, inadequate salaries, lacking of service structure and a lack of job satisfaction among employees. The burden is being shifted to students, who are forced to pay increasing fees. This approach is not only unfair but also unsustainable.
A Call for Revolutionary Change
The government should invest equally in all levels of education, from primary to higher education. Universities should not be expected to generate revenue like factories. Instead, we should focus on creating a conducive environment for innovation, research, and collaboration between universities, industries, and government institutions. This can be achieved by providing adequate funding, promoting research, and encouraging collaboration. To transform universities into hubs of innovation, we need to attract international students and faculty. This can be achieved through scholarships, peace, and stability in the country. By doing so, we can convert universities into industries that generate revenue and drive economic growth. A positive thinking can resolve issues of universities otherwise the increase in tuition fee and decrease in admission shall ruin the higher education system.
The Way Forward
The government needs to rethink its approach to higher education. Instead of expecting universities to generate their own resources, we should invest in them and create a supportive environment. This can be achieved by:
– Providing adequate funding to universities
– Promoting research and innovation
– Encouraging collaboration between universities, industries, and government institutions
– Attracting international students and faculty collaboration for attraction
– Creating a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship
By adopting this approach, we can unlock the potential of our universities and drive economic growth. It’s time for a revolutionary change in policy to attract international students, promote research, and collaboration. By investing in universities and creating a supportive environment, we can transform them into hubs of innovation and drive economic growth.
Conclusion
The current approach to higher education is flawed. We need to rethink our strategy and invest in universities. By creating a supportive environment and promoting research and innovation, we can unlock the potential of our universities and drive economic growth. It’s time for a change. Let’s work together to create a better future for our country through investment in higher education and universities.
The author is a PhD from the University of Essex, UK, and is a Professor of Mathematics, University of Malakand.
