OUR universities, in the beginning, came under the public sector. Later on, some of them were unable to cope with the large number of students who wanted to go for higher education.

The curriculum, faculty-resource development, students’ carrier goals, etc., demanded that community-based private universities transmit knowledge and techniques useful in general and specialised education.

However, the interest shifted with the expansion of industry and commerce and, above all, computerization, telecommunications, commutation engineering, etc.

Thus, private universities superimposed education for specialised occupations. They vary in purpose, size, support among themselves and so demonstrate much diversity.

A private university has a great contribution to make. But community-based private universities are client-centered and student-focused. This has led to commercialisation.

The essential economy of worthwhile endeavours must be appreciated but the economic test of the mission to educate lies in return of talent, ideas, and values in the long run and not in the availability of ready money for quick results.

The HEC must provide guidelines, as well as checks and balances, so that the collective good is realised.

About fees and salaries in public-sector universities, these are the same for all, but in the private sector these vary from one university to the other. This breeds frustrations among teachers and students.

To overcome this situation so that education does not suffer, private universities will need assistance within the community. Thus the future places a big demand for adaptability, expansibility and creativity.

To meet these, we must achieve excellence in education. For this to happen, private universities should be equal in opportunity induction for students.

The fee and salary structure should stand at par with those of public-sector universities. This will generate competitive interest among private-sector universities.

Thus, the need is to regulate private-sector universities regarding the fees of students and the salary structure of lecturers and professors.

Khan Usmanghani

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2015

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