LAHORE: Up to 25 public sector universities are currently operating without regular vice chancellors (VCs) creating a host of academic and administrative issues.

Academic staff associations of the universities have voiced concern over the situation, stating that the lack of permanent leadership is compromising the standards of education and research.

The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED), which administers 34 public universities in the province, has seen the tenure of regular VCs at 16 universities expire more than a year ago, with six others expiring in 2023. Additionally, the government has established three new universities that also require the appointment of VCs.

This lapse in statutory tenures has left these universities without VCs, disrupting core functions, such as academic processes, administrative controls, decision-making, and financial management. Currently, these universities are being run by pro-VCs or VCs on an additional or acting charge basis.

‘Lack of permanent leadership compromising standards of education’

The teaching faculty alleges that the Punjab government has failed in its prime duties by delaying the appointment of regular VCs in the universities. The Punjab University Council of Professionals (PU-CoPs) held a meeting with journalists covering the education beat in Lahore and demanded the appointment of VCs in 25 universities of the province, including Punjab University.

They claim that the universities have lacked permanent VCs for one and a half years, despite the ECP and HEC allowing the Punjab government to start the process for the VCs appointment.

They argue that in the absence of a regular VCs, universities are being run by a particular ‘mindset’ that has ruined academics and administration to please “friends” lacking the vision to run the varsity.

This has resulted in a manifold increase in PhD and bachelors fees, making it difficult for students from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds to afford.

PU ASA officials raised concerns about the launch of the PU Gujar Khan/ Pothohar Campus without any feasibility study and justification, merely to please a big politician.

They argue that the standard of education is under question on the main campus and it will be harder to maintain the same standard on the sub-campuses, ultimately tarnishing PU’s image.

They recommend revising and strengthening the affiliated colleges concept for quality education.

In response to a concern, it was agreed in principle that media should be allowed access to the coverage of Academic Council, Senate, and Syndicate meetings as the Supreme Court has now allowed on-camera sessions.

The Council representatives demanded from the incumbent Administration to announce the Research Projects, Incentive Awards, Performance Awards, delayed 15 and 25 percent disparity allowances, and an increase in House Requisition.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023