LAHORE: The Punjab government on Thursday removed University of Education (UE) acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Alam Saeed from his post allegedly for refusing to entertain a request by a senior PML-N leader for an admission to a student.

Dr Saeed was appointed as Pro-VC in October 2023 for three years but he was holding the charge of the VC since November due to retirement of the regular head of the university. His sudden removal, however, raised eyebrows and sparked a controversy.

Meanwhile, the governor/chancellor has appointed Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal, vice chancellor of Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib, as the acting head of the UE for the next 90 days or until posting of a permanent VC.

According to a notification issued by the Higher Education Department (HED), the chancellor exercised his authority under sections of the University of Education Lahore Ordinance 2002 and the Punjab General Clauses Act 1956.

Specifically, the Governor acted under sections 14-A(1), 13(9), and 10(7) of the UE ordinance and Section 15 of the Punjab General Clauses Act, which empowered the authority to appoint, suspend or dismiss the officials as needed.

However, sources in the university alleged that Dr Saeed was removed from the post after refusing to comply with a request for admission of a student from a senior leader of the ruling PML-N. Dr Saeed refused to accept the demand of the political leader, citing the completion of the admission process of the university. This refusal allegedly offended the politician who directed the higher education department (HED) to initiate the process for Dr Saeed’s removal from the post.

Contrary to these allegations, HED Secretary Dr Farrukh Naveed told Dawn that Dr Saeed was removed due to ‘several mismanagement issues’ within the university.

However, Dr Saeed himself expressed confusion over the reasons behind his dismissal. Speaking to Dawn, he said he had not been informed about any complaints and he was not called to appear before any inquiry committee. He asserted that he had not violated any university regulations and suggested that his removal could be the result of offending powerful individuals.

Following the completion of the official procedures, Dr Saeed was relieved of his duties as the interim VC as well as Pro-VC. The additional charge has been subsequently granted to Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal who has officially assumed the role of acting VC of the University of Education.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024