Moalims

Experts agree that increased resources and their effective utilisation are needed if the country is to transform into a knowledge economy, and achieve social and economic development goals.

These thoughts were expressed at a consultative session organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Wednesday. The session discussed the development of the higher education sector’s Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF-III) for 2015-20.

Those in attendance included HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, former HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rahman, other commission members, researchers and educationists, including the founding members of a task force created in 2002.

The gathering agreed that it was imperative to align the academic and research priorities of higher education institutions with national economic goals such as targets set for Vision 2025 and the objectives of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The meeting also focused on ways to promote entrepreneurship among students and faculty; various entrepreneurial models being implemented at international universities were discussed.

The HEC also plans to hold a national conference in October to identify key areas in the country in need of qualified personnel, the meeting was told.

“It is necessary to consult with stakeholders in the higher education sector, especially those who dreamt of the HEC prior to its inception, to ensure that we are on the right track,” said Ahmed.

“Access to education has not reached 10 per cent as planned. It is important to readjust our targets, keeping ground realities in mind,” he added.

He said the number of universities in country has grown from 59 to 171 to date; student enrolment has reached 1.4 million, while gender enrolment has increased from 32 to 48 per cent.

“A massive increase in the budget for foreign scholarships is needed though,” said Rahman, adding that “Only by doing so can we fulfil our current need for an additional 60,000 PhD faculty in the country.”

Participants also called for a 25 per cent increase in research grants. It was also suggested to transform 10 of the country’s best universities into research universities, and 10 of the best research centres into international centres via enhanced grants.

Other key points of discussion included increasing equitable access, enhanced investment, funding for medical education, distance education programmes, college teacher training, intelligent syllabus, and special programmes for qualified women who are disconnected from their professions.

Participants called for a wider engagement with all stakeholders including politicians, businesses, industry, faculty members, students, parents, etc.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2015.