HEC to re-evaluate its educational policy

The vice chancellors (VCs) of Pakistan's public and private universities gathered last week in Bhurban for a meeting organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and hosted by the British Council to review the undergraduate and postgraduate policies introduced by Dr Tariq Banuri, the former HEC chairman.

Out of the 180 VCs who attended this massive event, 178 outright rejected these policies, claiming that they had caused significant damage to the higher education system in just 2.5 years and had nearly destroyed the HEC's outstanding work over the previous 15 years.

One of the astounding measures advocated by Dr Banuri's ideas was for Pakistan to renounce the Bologna protocol's requirements for three clear cycles of education - bachelor's, master's, and PhD – which are agreed upon by most countries as the core foundation for higher education qualifications.

The vice chancellors frequently expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation with stakeholders and the introduction of significant changes without first taking the issue before the Vice Chancellors' Committee and soliciting its advice.

Another major setback for higher education as a result of these policies was the HEC's decision to essentially eliminate research funds for new faculty members. This was a devastating blow to Pakistan's aspiring young faculty members.

Fortunately, the HEC is on the mend, and some positive developments have occurred since the old chairman's dismissal. First, the government has approved a Rs15 billion boost in university operations budgets.