In Pakistan, there is a dearth of qualified faculty in higher education institutions (HEIs). Many HEIs also lack resources to reform and update teaching curricula. Usually, public universities are considered worse off compared to private universities as they have lower fees and rely largely on government funding.
Consequently, many public universities are poorly maintained and do not offer quality education. However, a large proportion of students cannot afford private universities and depend on public universities for their education. Higher education is an essential tool for building a knowledgeable, modern, and peaceful society. As of 2017, Pakistan ranked 125 out of 130 countries in terms of quality of education.
The relevant stakeholders including university administration and faculty as well as Higher Education Commission (HEC) need to acknowledge the vital role higher education plays in a country’s development and growth. The government must allocate more funds and resources to public universities to improve their services and facilitate students. HEC can play a vital role by monitoring education standards and ensuring that funds are used appropriately. By improving higher education standards, the country will have a more qualified and skilled labour force that can drive innovation and growth as well as showcase Pakistan’s potential globally.
WARISHA SAFEER
KARACHI
