GUJRAT: The University of Gujrat could not get a no objection certificate (NOC) for architecture department of its School of Arts, Design and Architecture (SADA) despite the fact that two batches of students have completed graduation.

The current batch of some 200 students of the department as well as two previous batches graduated from this particular department in 2014 and 2015, are still not sure of their career due to the accreditation issue.

The UoG had started the architecture department in 2009 and the third batch is about to complete their studies within the next few months but since its establishment, the varsity could not hire permanent senior faculty at the department which, according to the students, is being run by six teachers without having the required senior faculty.

The university is required to get NOC from Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP). The council is a regulatory body having strict criterion for accreditation of any degree programme in the field. The NOC is a basic requirement for any institution launching architecture design department.

Two batches have graduated and third will complete studies in a few months; some teachers have quit

It is issued following a visit by PCATP officials to the institution seeking the NOC to inspect whether it had the required facilities.

If an institution fulfils the conditions, the regulatory body allows accreditation to the degree programme. Usually it takes two to three years for completion of the process. The PCATP inspection team pays annual visits to the respective department in January or February.

As per the PCATP requirement for launching the department, some 300 sq-feet area is required for 30 students, besides a separate library and computer lab.

Scores of senior faculty members, including founding head of department Fawad Khwaja and some other former heads, had quit the job in the last few years. As per sources the incumbent head and some others are also weighing the option.

The affected students have recently submitted an application to Vice Chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum, Registrar Dr Tahir Aqeel and other respective senior officials of UoG through an email seeking immediate measures to resolve their problem.

They questioned as to what compensation the institution was planning to provide to the affected students as they were often told about the advertisements for the faculty hiring and the situation never changed.

When contacted by Dawn, UoG Spokesman and Director Media and Publication, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, said the accreditation committee of PCATP had paid two visits and most of the requirements regarding faculty and infrastructure development were already being met. He cited construction of a state-of-the-art building to house the school of arts and Rs15 million for equipping lab with modern gadgetry.

He said the varsity administration was well aware of its responsibilities and taking measures to secure the future of its students. “And hopefully SADA will get PCATP accreditation soon as some more senior faculty will be hired in April while the previous selection boards have also finalised some candidates for faculty.”

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2016