THE higher education sector is important for the socio-economic development of a country. After World War II, many countries started focusing on higher education and its outcomes, particularly inventions that helped initiate the Industrial Revolution.
In Pakistan, the government established the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1974 and then the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2002, with a mission to increase access to higher education and facilitate higher education institutions in providing quality education relevant to the needs of the country. HEC has offered local and international scholarships and training with the support of the government. It has also developed various criteria and guidelines for different stakeholders. Over the last 20 years, enrollment has increased by 50%. The quality of graduates can be assessed based on the research produced at universities. There were approximately 500 reputable publications in 2002 and now around 14,000 reputable publications have been produced in recent years.
The entire higher education ecosystem is dependent on funding, which is mainly provided by the government for public sector universities. Although the number of universities has increased over the years, funding for the sector has remained fixed at around 65 billion rupees since 2018. The initiatives taken by the government over the last two decades need to continue to improve research excellence in emerging disciplines and areas. Faculty members with innovative ideas to find appropriate solutions to local problems are searching for stable organizations because they are not receiving market-based competitive salaries in public sector universities. On the other hand, public sector universities are unable to release salaries on time due to limited grants being released these days. This situation leads to brain drain and students enrolled in these universities feel demotivated to pursue further education.
Similarly, limited scholarships mean less enrollment in graduate programs, which are mandatory for research and development on indigenous issues. Generally, scholars possess the core knowledge, skills and competencies of their domain; in other words, they are bright minds who need a platform and a mentor to find a solution to problems in a systematic manner. All they need is an enabling environment, including laboratories, libraries, digital resources and a dedicated supervisor. Developed countries invest heavily in infrastructure, facilities and research ecosystems to find solutions to local and global issues. In some cases, their expertise is misused by a few donors to publish managed studies for marketing purposes, presenting false surveys or opinions as genuine research. The public often considers these findings as credible. For example, researchers once warned that organic food items needed processing to eliminate potential hazards and now organic items are promoted as the only pure food. Recent findings on the use of desi ghee for better blood flow in the human body quickly raised demand, emptying store shelves in the USA. This situation underscores the need for a systematic approach to verify each study through impartial individuals and institutions.
For these reasons, some organizations and regulators approve or disapprove findings made in laboratories and the field. Access to social media often develops narratives that are not based on scientific or social facts. Awareness of valid and reliable products is largely lacking in our part of the world. Universities are meant for knowledge generation and for developing communities that understand their roles and responsibilities. Campuses should be open to all members of society, not just registered or enrolled students. This will not only build confidence in HEIs’ professionalism in addressing problems but also help them raise funds and acquire other resources.
Further, the disconnection of local governments, industries, businesses and other stakeholders is damaging the overall system of cooperation and collaboration. University laboratories can be used to conduct expensive tests. Medical universities need to work with local, regional and national health authorities to find solutions not only for medical (disease-related) issues but also to serve as platforms for capacity building of doctors and staff in new techniques. The university’s continuing education department may conduct annual or biannual capacity-building and awareness programs. Senior students and societies should be engaged to develop communication, leadership and collaborative skills.
The higher education sector needs immediate attention from the government and other donors. Established universities must be strengthened to conduct research for the country’s socio-economic development. Universities introduce innovations and inventions. Similarly, Pakistan has produced different seed varieties, technologies and patents with government support. Our defense system is an example of continuous support and development; it was delivered when necessary. Similarly, the higher education sector is delivering significantly and will continue to deliver if it receives proper support.
Note: The opinion shared above is the author’s assessment and should not be considered as the department’s official stance.
— The writer is Director, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad.
