THE recent proposal by the Sindh cabinet to shoehorn in non-PhD bureaucrats as vice chancellors has sparked concern in academic circles. The proposal to amend the universities law, which the government says is aimed at broadening the pool of candidates, risks undermining the academic integrity of the province’s universities. The comparison with international practices is misguided — while some foreign varsities may not mandate PhDs for leadership positions, their selection processes are embedded within systems that prioritise scholarly achievement. A VC’s role is not just administrative; it demands an understanding of academic culture, research dynamics, and the evolving landscape of higher education. And so, education is a domain best left to academicians. While management skills are valuable, they should complement — not replace — the academic credentials required for such a critical role. The inclusion of non-academic administrators sets a worrying precedent, potentially sidelining merit and eroding the quality of higher education. The swift and strong opposition from academic bodies is telling. The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association and the Karachi University Teachers’ Society have rightly stressed that university leadership requires individuals who can guide academic direction with the authority that comes from scholarly achievement. Former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani’s describing the move as ‘retrogressive’ adds political weight to these concerns.

Instead of unilaterally making amendments, the Sindh government must engage with stakeholders, particularly academia, to build consensus on criteria for VC appointments. Transparent consultation with teachers’ bodies, the HEC, and other experts can ensure that the criteria balance academic qualifications with necessary administrative experience. A joint committee of educators, administrators, and government officials may then review the amendments, ensuring that they strengthen rather than diminish the academic character of our universities. The government’s intent to diversify leadership is commendable, but it must not come at the cost of academic standards.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2024