LAHORE: Information Technology University’s (ITU) School of Humanities and Social Sciences dean Prof Dr Akmal Hussain has refused to work as vice chancellor of the varsity on an additional charge basis.

“The ITU is primarily an information technology university. I have no expertise in this field, being a development economist...,” says Dr Hussain in a letter to the Secretary Punjab Higher Education Department.

Earlier, the Punjab government had issued a notification on Nov 16. It stated, “The Governor / Chancellor has been pleased to assign the functions of the Vice Chancellor, Information Technology University of the Punjab to Dr. Akmal Hussain, Dean, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences on temporary basis, relieving Dr. Umar Saif of the duties of Vice Chancellor, Information Technology University of the Punjab, in exercise of powers vested in him under Sub-Section (9) of Section 11 read with Sub-Section (4) of Section (9) of Information Technology University of the Punjab Act, 2012.”

Dr Hussain received the letter on Nov 19 and refused to take charge the same day.

In his letter (a copy is available with Dawn), Dr Hussain says, “I have been assigned the additional duties (on a temporary basis), of Vice Chancellor, Information Technology University (ITU) of the Punjab. While thanking the Government for the confidence reposed in me, I wish to point out the following for your kind consideration.

“First the ITU is primarily an information technology university. I have no expertise in this field, being a development economist, second I had been asked just over two years ago to establish the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at ITU. During this brief period, by the Grace of God, we have established a small, but world class faculty in a range of Social Science disciplines and have introduced postgraduate as well as undergraduate courses at the global cutting edge of knowledge in the fields of Development Studies and Economics respectively. I am fully involved in teaching and research, apart from doing my duties as Dean. Sustaining the School requires intensive work.”

He further says, “In view of the above and given the state of my health, regretfully, I am unable to accept the additional responsibilities, albeit on a temporary basis, of Vice Chancellor ITU.”

HED Secretary Sarah Saeed told Dawn that Dr Hussain had refused to work as the vice chancellor of the ITU and they would soon appoint another suitable person to work on a temporary basis. She said they were working on a new policy and would soon appoint vice chancellors in other public sector universities of the province.

Earlier, the Higher Education Department (HED) had constituted search committees for the University of Jhang; the University of Home Economics, Lahore; the Women University, Multan; and the ITU, Lahore; on the direction of the previous government.

The HED had completed scrutiny, interview and other formalities for the ITU and the University of Jhang. The department had shortlisted three names for the post and sent to interim chief minister Hassan Askari Rizvi who left it for the new government by halting the appointment. The government later only appointed vice chancellor of the University of Jhang and did not complete the process of the ITU.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2018