The Significance of Merit-based Appointments in Pakistani Universities

Desk

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Naveed Akhtar Cheema

University education plays a critical role in the development of a nation, as it is the primary institution responsible for equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to contribute to the country’s socio-economic progress and overall advancement. Universities are instrumental in producing a well-educated and skilled workforce, fostering innovation and research, and cultivating future leaders who can address the complex challenges of the modern world. The impact of university education extends beyond individual development and has far-reaching implications for the prosperity and progress of the nation as a whole.

Merit-based appointments in universities, both in administration and in faculties, are essential for upholding the integrity and quality of the education system. When administrative and academic positions are filled based on merit, it ensures that the most qualified and capable individuals are entrusted with leadership and academic responsibilities. This, in turn, contributes to the establishment of high academic standards, the promotion of a culture of excellence, and the maintenance of transparency and accountability within the institution.

In the administrative realm, merit-based appointments are crucial for ensuring that competent individuals are tasked with making strategic decisions, managing resources, and providing effective governance for the university. This contributes to the efficient and effective operation of the institution, ensuring that it is well-positioned to uphold academic and research excellence and to effectively serve the needs of its stakeholders.

Similarly, in faculties, merit-based appointments are vital for ensuring that the most qualified and competent individuals are responsible for teaching, research, and mentorship of students. Faculty members appointed based on merit bring a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to academic rigour, which are essential for creating a stimulating and enriching academic environment.

Moreover, merit-based appointments contribute to fostering a culture of fairness, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the university. They create an environment where individuals are motivated to strive for excellence, where innovation and creativity are encouraged, and where the institution can attract and retain top talent.

Accordingly, merit-based appointments in universities are indispensable for maintaining the credibility and reputation of the institution, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education, and nurturing a generation of professionals and leaders who can make meaningful contributions to the progress and prosperity of the nation.

Young people’s role in driving societies’ socio-economic progress through acquiring knowledge and skills in universities run by capable individuals is crucial. However, the issue of staffing in public sector universities is receiving inadequate attention in our country. A recent petition presented by the All-Public Universities BPS Teachers Association (APUBTA) to a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, highlighted the concerning fact that 66 out of 154 public sector higher education institutes (HEIs) lacked a tenured vice chancellor or rector.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) submitted a report to the court, revealing that in Punjab, 29 out of 49 HEIs had acting VCs, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 16 out of 32 HEIs had a similar situation. Similarly, in Baluchistan, half of the ten universities had VCs serving on an ad hoc basis. In contrast, in Sindh, 24 out of 29 universities had regular VCs.

The appointment of academic and administrative heads for numerous higher learning institutions in the country on an ad hoc basis or assigning additional responsibilities to individuals is a concerning trend. This situation raises questions about the impact on the academic environment, as VCs play a pivotal role in decision-making bodies. Despite the availability of well-qualified candidates, it appears that deliberate policies are in place to appoint pliable individuals, potentially at the expense of merit.

During the court proceedings, a concerning revelation came to light when a KP law officer stated that the names of three candidates for each university were sent to the governor but were not made public. This lack of transparency raised eyebrows, with the Chief Justice emphasizing the need for a streamlined education sector to benefit the entire country.

In response to these issues, the bench directed the HEC to provide comprehensive data on the ratio of academic to administrative staff, as well as details about vacant positions such as director of finance and examination controller. Additionally, the HEC was asked to report on the funding sources for universities, including funds generated by the universities themselves and the amounts received from provincial or federal governments.

The urge of our leaders to exert control runs counter to the essence of universities, which should be spaces that foster critical thinking and equip students with the knowledge to contribute to various fields of national endeavour. This can only be achieved through merit-based appointments, adequate funding, and curriculums aligned with the needs of a progressive society. The intervention of the court is hoped to steer the sector in the right direction.

Merit-based appointments in Pakistani universities are crucial for upholding the integrity and quality of the education system. When administrative and academic positions are filled based on merit, it ensures that individuals with the most relevant qualifications, experience, and capabilities are entrusted with leadership and academic responsibilities. This contributes to the establishment of high academic standards, the promotion of a culture of excellence, and the maintenance of transparency and accountability within the institution.

In the administrative realm, merit-based appointments are essential for ensuring that competent individuals are tasked with making strategic decisions, managing resources, and providing effective governance for the university. This contributes to the efficient and effective operation of the institution, ensuring that it is well-positioned to uphold academic and research excellence and to effectively serve the needs of its stakeholders.

Similarly, in faculties, merit-based appointments are vital for ensuring that the most qualified and competent individuals are responsible for teaching, research, and mentorship of students. Faculty members appointed based on merit bring a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to academic rigor, which are essential for creating a stimulating and enriching academic environment.

Therefore, merit-based appointments in Pakistani universities are indispensable for maintaining the credibility and reputation of the institution, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education, and nurturing a generation of professionals and leaders who can make meaningful contributions to the progress and prosperity of the nation.