IT seems that universities are being established merely as a way of providing employment to individuals with connections, as job opportunities are scarce in other sectors. Unfortunately, this leads to a situation where vice-chancellors (VCs) are forced by politicians or groups of ministers to facilitate the establishment of new campuses or universities. That the VCs themselves are appointed, though not always, through superficial processes is a great facilitating factor in the pursuit of such objectives.

When things do not work out smoothly, a university is left without a VC, or is placed under the dual charge of a VC heading some other university. Regrettably, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), being the regulatory authority, should have acted against corrupt practices, but that has not happened.

VCs are typically selected through advertisements published in newspapers by a search committee. If the committee does not align with the ‘desires’ of the relevant quarters, it is dissolved and reconstituted.

Unfortunately, merit is not the basis for such committees, and it is not surprising that the decisions made by such committees are often controversial.

Those appointed by the system know beforehand that compromises have been made, and compromises will have to be made to last in office. The process is hardly ever challenged, and any challenge that does arise is generally dismissed by the search committee.

A professor overnight becomes a figure of authority with unfettered power and financial autonomy. Within the university, a VC assumes the role of royalty as there are no performance indicators to judge one’s performance. The lack of boundaries makes it difficult to identify the rules broken by VCs and to determine appropriate punishments.

It is crucial to define the minimum age for such appointments, as the impact factor and immaturity have negatively affected institutions. The role of a VC encompasses multiple dimensions, including leadership and representation in various bodies, that necessitate a certain age, experience and academic background far beyond the domain of teaching a class. Implementing efficiency and disciplinary rules would hold them accountable and limit their powers. This would elevate the standard of higher education to the desired level instead of misusing powers for harassing employees.

The employment of individuals in grade 17 and above could be handled through a provincial commission, while the employment of those in scale 3-16 can be delegated to the universities, with the ‘unbridled horses’ bound by efficiency and disciplinary rules to prevent misma- nagement. Illegal reappointments of faculty members must be immediately halted, and faculty should be provided with a service structure in accordance with the relevant laws. This would restore balance to the system and ensure accountability across the board.

Not only should VCs be held fully responsible for their actions, members of the syndicate, senate and other statutory bodies should also be held accountable, as they are government servants and representatives of the public.

Prof (Dr) Imtiaz Ahmad
Malakand

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023