It is a fact that our education system is not being operated suitably in order to develop a proper understanding among the people to solve the monster problems of overpopulation, inequality, unemployment and corruption.
Only the masses with suitable education can produce national leaders to take the country to the heights of success that it deserves.
Firstly, we notice two sectors of education in the country – public (government) and private. We have school, colleges and universities controlled by the government and by the private entities as well. A shift in favour of privately controlled and autonomous educational institution is visible. Medium of teaching is also different in the both.
A large number of children do not go to schools at all. Half of the children, who do go to schools, drop out before completing the primary stage. They do not receive quality education with the result that most of them are neither able nor wise after completion of their studies.
The first requirement of our society is to introduce an education system that guarantees universal education up to a certain level within a few years. Besides teaching the children and grown-ups how to read, write and speak both Urdu and English, they should be made to understand social and political problems and to think correctly and behave appropriately according to their ages.
Secondly, at the higher levels, say after matriculations, the courses or syllabi should be such as to enable our students to get employed gainfully in different profession.
Education, thus, should be job-oriented with a view to reducing unemployment and increasing productivity. Scientific, technical and technological education of the highest order is the need of the hour.
Thirdly, original research in our universities is our need. In the fourth place, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that the social and economic system of the country is inescapably connected with the education and progress of the common people. We have to break down the age-old feudal system.
UMME SABA ILYAS
Lahore