ALTHOUGH scarcity of good administrators is the dilemma of our national institutions, I would like to highlight the administrators of government colleges in Sindh.

This is my seventh year in government service. Ever since I have joined a government college as a lecturer, in this short span of time four professors retired as principals. They were professors of math, Pakistan studies and physics. The current principal is a professor of Urdu.

Teaching a subject and administering an institution are two different skills. One of the reasons for the deteriorating condition of our colleges is these inept and untrained administrators.

These professors are least aware of the basic knowledge of public administration. They do not have the ability to create a conducive educational environment nor do they have any strength to understand or control their subordinate professors.

In the past, the National Institute for Public Administration (Nipa) used to impart training to those who were appointed principals at government colleges. But now there is no such training. It is because of this reason that we see a decline in our education system. Or educational institutions now lack competent teachers.

If the Sindh chief minister and higher authorities are serious about improving government-run academic institutions they must induct new administrators with degrees in public administration. Or, at least these professors must be trained by qualified trainers.

Prof Muhammad Issa

Karachi

Published in Dawn December 4th, 2016