ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: The government-funded universities are finding it hard to restrict their highly qualified teaching staff from joining the private sector institutions, which offer better salaries.

During the last 10 years, about 22 professors of the Quaid-i- Azam University have joined various private institutes.

A total of 126 PhD professors are teaching in the university, which has produced nearly 15,000 graduates since its establishment in 1967. A student of the university said unfortunately many of the highly qualified teachers were on leave and there absence was badly felt by the students.

However, the professors hold the government responsible for the situation.

The president of Academic Staff Association, Dr M. Aslam Baig, said: “Look at the research funds which the government has been providing to the university. It is shameful to say that one million rupees have been allocated for research funds.” With this kind of allocation, it is impossible to produce PhDs, he added.

The vice-chancellor of the university said lack of funds was the only factor behind the crisis.

A former student recalled that the faculty always suffered from low morale. — APP