RECENTLY applications were invited by the Sindh government for the position of the vice-chancellor for the University of Sindh. For the first time in history more than 50 candidates have been invited for interviews. The Sindh University Teachers Association has expressed its concern over the invitation to non-PhDs for interview.

There are two schools of thought regarding hiring the vice-chancellor: one, believes that the vice-chancellor must be appointed from the teaching fraternity, and the other is of the view that the vice-chancellor should be appointed from outside the teaching community, such as a bureaucrat.

In the past, the university has had both academic and non-academic vice-chancellors. However, it is imperative not to compromise on basic principles and hire the vice-chancellor who is upright, honest, sound administrator and believes in justice.

These traits could be found in both academics and non-academics. Whosoever is selected by the search committee, it is pertinent to mention that the university is unable to afford another experiment.

The Sindh university requires a vice-chancellor who can change its profile. Universities are not only responsible for transferring knowledge but also for creating knowledge and, therefore, research culture needs to be revived and promoted.

Nasir Ali Panhwar

Jamshoro

Published in Dawn January 7th , 2014

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