IT is really unfortunate that the fake universities continue to mint money and play with the future of our children because of lack of action on the part of authorities concerned.
An updated list shared by Higher Education Commission (HEC) shows that one hundred and forty seven private universities are operating illegally in the country.
Province-wise data shows Punjab leads the trend with ninety-six private universities that are unrecognized but still offering several degree programs to hundreds of students.
These are neither the universities that have the qualified teaching faculty nor do they have the required infrastructure and well equipped facilities.
The victims of these illegal universities are the ones who fail to get admission in the recognized universities.
Firstly, there is a need to create awareness amongst the parents and the children that there is no use of getting degrees from such institutions as these are nothing but trash which will not be accepted anywhere when they begin the search for a job.
Then most importantly, such institutions should not be allowed to crop up or operate anymore.
The universities come into being through a process of legislation at provincial level.
In the case of a private sector University, the legislation should not be carried out without seeking necessary guarantees regarding maintaining the standard of higher education.
As for the existing ones, the provincial authorities should work with the HEC in not only closing down these institutions but also taking punitive action against their top management and owners.
There is also a ruling of Lahore High Court directing to take steps to ensure students and parents were made aware of bogus institutions.
However, the HEC has not moved except publishing lists of these institutions, which is not enough.Legal action needs to be taken against these useless degree awarding mills.
In view of the growing population, responsibility rests with the provincial governments to open more institutions of higher education in the public sector so that our children can pursue education in the best possible environment.
