Need Overhauling to address Financial Woe for Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Arshad Munir

Universities main role is to promote economic, technological and social change for state and society. But it seems that they themselves need economic, technological and social change here in our Country as this sector is experiencing crucial challenges In light of Pakistan’s current political and economic situation. Universities of Pakistan and especially the large and old universities like University of Karachi, University of Peshawar, and University of Baluchistan are going towards bankruptcy whereas, Quaid E Azam University, Islamabad, University of the Punjab, Federal Urdu University, UET’s etc. are running with deficit budget even after making their place in good global ranking compared to those universities of even US and UK who have similar ranking in QS world university ranking with higher budget.  Let me compare university of Peshawar which stands between 800-1000 categories among 1000 top universities of the world, but portrayed a worst institution even by its own stakeholders.

Source: Web

Both “University of Massachusetts Boston” and “De Montfort University” initially were colleges and upgraded in 1964 and 1992 as universities having also USD 148 million and USD 3.7 million as their endowment fund. The figures clarify the successful leadership(s) and its team who tried to fly the institution on the same height where others are existing with high budget. Although, the university and its management would have been appreciated, Federal and Provincial governments have backed off and are clearly announcing that universities should utilise their own resources by developing business plans to increase income and reduce expenses rather rely solely on government grants as a sustainable solution.

Certainly, efforts are being made by the higher Education Commission and the leadership/ management of the universities to navigate and rescue the universities out of these challenging situation. But there is dire need for overhauling and revamping of practice & procedural structure from the constitutionality to construction and from appointment to retirement’s affairs of the universities.

The Government should in consultation with HEC and other stakeholders, may review and re-examine the ACT and statutes of the Universities to make them uniform and balanced. It is suggested to especially review the Authorities and officers of the universities by constituting /incorporating “Court” and “Council” under the Authorities section and a “Visitor” and “Deputy Vice Chancellors” under the section of “officers” in Acts of all universities to grant the public an opportunity to care & contribute towards the uplifting of the universities that too would cause accountability and transparency.

On the other hand, universities would expect familiarity & financial growth as well as autonomy related to administrative and financial issues from the Bureaucratic governance and attitude. The Honourable President and Governors may be remained the officers of the universities but may be called “Visitors” and they may be the titular and ceremonial head of the institution to presiding and conferring degrees at the graduation ceremonies and act as an advocate in carrying out ambassadorial duties for the University.

However, the Chancellor who may be appointed by the university Council should be a legend/a celebrate/a Star of any field that can help raise the University’s profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally as well as to look after the best interests of the university like ROSE PATTEN, the Chancellor of the University of Toronto and a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, ANITA RANI, Chancellor of university of Bradford and a British radio and television presenter, DR. SARAH PERRY, the Chancellor of Essex University, UK and a an English author and MARGARET CASELY-HAYFORD, the chancellor of Coventry University, England and is a British lawyer, businesswoman and public figure.

There is also the need to constitute a University Steering Committee comprises The Vice-Chancellor, The Pro-Vice Chancellor, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, The Deans, The Registrar and Treasurer with their specific roles & responsibilities to determine and delegations of powers at lower level instead of centralised power bestowed only to Vice Chancellors. The Steering Committee may pick & propose the financial plan (utilization of assets, renting the buildings, leasing, gifting, venture capital, loan etc.) and make submission for its approval to Council for speedy and more transparent results. All above-mentioned procedure would reduce bureaucratic attitude and involvement and cause more financial and administrative autonomy and academic/ institutional freedom.

The details of the above-mentioned plan and proposal is available and can be discussed and shared to concern authorities. Jimmy Dean rightly said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

The author is a professor of Islamic Studies having 23 years of teaching, research and administrative university experience at national and international levels having key positions as Dean, Director, and Chairperson etc.