KU awarding IT diploma without approval of syllabi
An investigation into the affairs of University of Karachi (KU) has disclosed that the varsity is running an illegal information technology (IT) centre, it is reliably learnt. As per reports, the varsity is running IT programme without approval of syllabi from its academic council. Under this programme, the varsity is awarding diploma in 65 different IT related subjects. Although, KU academic council in one of its sessions has granted permission for launch of IT programme, but the design of the programme and the syllabi has not been not approved by the council.
As per KU law, if a new programme is introduced in the varsity then it should first be approved from the concerned faculty. The faculty examines the structure of the programme, course design, teaching and non-teaching staff and expenditure. If the faculty approves the new programme, then it is taken to academic council for the final approval. In case of IT programme, Department of Mathematics has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private firm for launch of the programme. As per understanding, private firm has to provide teaching faculty and technical support for running the programme. The IT centre has been established in a small room which is located at 3rd floor of the Department of Mathematics.
The sources also revealed that the varsity teachers had been hired at a heavy remuneration as faculty to run this programme. Only few experts had been hired from outside the varsity for assistance in case of any difficulty. Secondly, the varsity had set high fee for these IT-related diploma programmes, but interestingly the fee was not deposited in the KU account but in a private bank account instead and the passing out students got degree from the varsity.
It was also learnt that it was a ghost programme as there was not a single student and teacher present in the evening timings and the computer laboratory was found locked. The Dean Faculty of Science Prof Dr Nusrat Jamil when approached said that she was sorting out this matter and would not comment on it. “We have no record of the said IT centre. If the academic council has approved this IT programme then there should be approved syllabi of the 65 diploma courses offered in the IT centre. The academic council has just approved establishment of this centre but not syllabi of the 65 diploma courses offered under this programme,” she added.
