THIS is with reference to the report ‘Governance takes a hit as 51 universities functioning without regular VCs’ (Feb 26), which quoted the chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as saying that 51 out of 154 public-sector universities in the country were operating without regular vice-chancellors.

This has raised a question mark on the efficiency of provincial governments. Another recent media report revealed that out of 34 public-sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 24 were working without regular/permanent VCs. The situation in Sindh was also not different as eight out of 28 public-sector universities were waiting for the appointment of regular VCs.

All these universities without regular VCs have been working under interim arrangements. Academic staff associa-tions of these universities have raised concerns over the situation, stating

that lack of permanent leadership is compromising the standard of education and research, but that has not had much of an impact.

Everybody agrees that the appointment of a VC in a university is both important and imperative. After the passage of the 18th amendment, the appointment of VCs in public-sector universities is recommended by the search committee constituted by each province, which invites applications through newspaper advertisements, and interviews the shortlisted applicants.

The committee recommends a panel of three aspirants in alphabetical order to the chancellor, who appoints the VC. A security clearance is also sought from the intelligence agencies before issuing a formal appointment order.

The absence of VCs in universities results in stagnation of important administrative, academic and financial matters, hampering the ability of the universities to achieve their academic targets.

A university without a VC seriously struggles to carry out the core function of the academic process. Besides, research, financial discipline and overall decision-making processes also gets seriously affected.

The proper course to address the issue is to invite applications at least six months before the end of the tenure of the incumbent, and complete the process and notify the fresh appointment before the curtain comes down on the tenure of the ougoing VC.

During the selection process, merit should prevail over everything else, like favouritism, political interference, nepotism and such other elements. This is the only way to move ahead positively.

Shams Jafrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2024