SWABI: The Women University Swabi (WUS) has been without a regular vice-chancellor for the last one year, affecting its smooth functioning, sources told Dawn here on Saturday.

They said last regular VC Prof Shahana Urooj Kazmi, who belongs to Karachi, completed her three-year term in March 2023.

They said since its establishment in 2015, only two regular VCs – Prof Noor Jehan and Prof Urooj – served as regular VCs. They added VCs of University of Swabi and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan served as acting VCs.

Presently University of Swabi VC Prof Jamal Nasir has the acting charge of WUS.

The sources said a VC couldn’t oversee affairs of two varsities at a time, adding political meddling in WUS affairs was rampant, and many appointments were made on political grounds.

The sources said the faculty members often found themselves burdened with additional responsibilities due to numerous vacant positions. Some academic staff even held two portfolios, crippling their concentration on research work and teaching obligations, they added.

They said in such an environment it was difficult to safeguard the future of faculty members and promote stability and excellence in varsity.

The sources added that even admissions in various MS programmes had been stopped over unknown reasons, causing distress to the aspirants.

The sources said bus fee had recently been increased, causing financial stress to students and their parents.

When contacted, a faculty member told Dawn on condition of anonymity that they attached great expectations to Meena Khan Afridi, provincial minister for higher education that he would play his due role in resolving the issues confronting WUS and protecting the future of over 3,000 students enrolled there.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024