FAISALABAD, Nov 10: The vice-chancellor of the Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) has tendered his resignation, however, it is yet to be accepted by competent authority, Dawn has learned.

Dr Arif Ali Zaidi has sent his resignation to Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, who is chancellor of all public sector universities in the province – because of personal reasons. The VC announced this decision during a meeting with GCUF heads of departments on Monday.

Source privy to the meeting told Dawn that Dr Zaidi chaired the monthly meeting to review the university affairs where he announced his decision to tender resignation because of personal reasons.

They said abrupt announcement of the institution head was shocking for the participants, especially woman members of the meeting.

They all asked the VC to withdraw his decision for the betterment of the institution. But, sources said, the VC expressed his inability to recall his decision and said he could not stay any more because of personal problems.

A senior faculty member said his colleagues wanted Dr Zaidi to continue as head of the institution for his rendering excellent services during his stint.

The college was upgraded as university in October 2002, and Dr Asif Iqbal was appointed its first vice-chancellor. Dr Zaidi replaced Dr Iqbal as vice-chancellor on Nov 23, 2006.

Sources said the chancellor had orally accepted the resignation, however, no notification had been issued in this respect and Dr Zaidi was still performing his duties.

Dr Zaidi was selected by the Higher Education Commission for a capacity-building study tour to the United Kingdom, and he along with a dozen other vice-chancellors is leaving for the UK on Nov 17.

Sajid Ali, a student, said he and other students would miss a great teacher and leader who had worked hard to revamp the institution. He appealed to the chancellor not to accept vice-chancellor’s resignation in the larger interest of the institution.

Talking to Dawn, Dr Zaidi confirmed that he had sent his resignation to the chancellor owing to personal reasons. He, however, dispelled reports of any sort of pressure or other problematic issues that compelled him to resign.

“I am not resigning because of any pressure or power politics,” he added. He made it clear that this was a decision purely based on his personal considerations.