It is quite obvious that a change means a lot to the socio-economic, political and academic setup of the country. But it is also the change that adds spice to life. The recent decision about Higher Education Commissions devolution has raised eyebrows of many who are worried about the future of Pakistan.
HEC has been facilitating the development of higher education in Pakistan for the last one decade. Its main purpose was to upgrade the universities of Pakistan to be centres of education, research and development. The monitoring and regulations of universities with special emphasis on quality assurance has raised Pakistans standing among international universities.
The standardised curriculum, research and development gave a hope to aim higher for revolutionary changes. It has given a professional dimension to unveil new frontiers in Pakistans education industry.
The university enrolment was 135,000 in 2003 which has been raised to 400,000 because of HECs efforts. Some of our public universities are now among the top 600 universities. Our research publications have risen to more than 4300. The introduction of 4-year bachelor program is another feather in the cap.
The decision will have its repercussions and will not be a fruitful one. The USAID could stop $250 million in regards with research and international scholarships. The World Bank has given signal to stop a loan of 300 million dollar to HEC. And, if the decision stands, every province will have its own curriculum standardisations which can give rise to provincialism. Moreover, political interruption in higher educational sector will also increase.
Even with such achievements, the decision of devolution of HEC seriously needs a second thought. HEC has been crucial in providing quality education and research culture in Pakistan. Our politicians need to rethink about this issue. Retaining HEC is the only route to a superior Pakistan.
PROF DR CHAUDHRY ABDUL REHMAN
Lahore