ISLAMABAD: Following the scandal in which a student was marked pass in a workshop conducted after his death, the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has decided to bring reforms to its examination system.

It may be noted that the MA Arabic student from Gujrat was marked present in the 24-day workshop at the AIOU, which took place after his death in August, 2014. Before the workshop commenced, the student contacted some officials at the AIOU Arabic Department and informed them that he was unwell to attend the workshop.

According to sources, the officials offered to mark him present at the workshop in exchange for Rs5,000. However, after sending the money to the officials, the student died on August 1, 2014.

But the officials did not know about the death of the student and marked him present at the workshop.

According to the result announced recently, the student with roll number Y574473 passed the 24-day workshop.

Later, AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui constituted an inquiry committee which after holding several meetings confirmed the case and also pointed out the decades-old flaws in the conduct of workshops.

On the basis of the inquiry report, Dr Siddiqui decided to install a biometric system for ensuring attendance of all candidates appearing in workshops and examinations.

“Taking notice of the news story, I constituted a committee to probe the matter, which revealed glaring flaws in the examination system and the conduct of workshops. So I have decided to install the biometric system,” Dr Siddiqui told Dawn.

He said he was holding talks with Nadra and a cellular company for the installation of the biometric system.

Talking about the officials involved in the scam, the VC said the inquiry was at its final stages: “The inquiry committee has almost found two officials involved in the scam but before taking departmental action against them we are trying to complete all the formalities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2015

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