14 KP Universities
A Task Force Committee on Higher Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is deliberating the potential closure of up to 14 universities due to their poor performance and financial crises, sources disclosed on Tuesday.
Formed to investigate the declining educational standards and financial challenges within KP universities, the committee has identified severe financial instability as a primary factor contributing to their subpar performance.
In recent meetings, efforts were made to devise strategies to mitigate these issues. However, a final decision on the fate of these universities is expected to be reached during the committee’s upcoming meeting on July 11.
Subsequently, the committee’s recommendations will be presented to the provincial cabinet for consideration and approval.
Responding to inquiries about the potential closure, Meena Khan Afridi, the provincial minister for higher education, refuted immediate plans but acknowledged that the Task Force Committee is actively engaged in addressing these critical issues. He emphasized that any decisions would be thoroughly reviewed before implementation.
Dr. Azir, the central general secretary of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), voiced support for reducing the number of universities in KP.
He criticized the establishment of universities in the province on political rather than educational grounds, leading to severe financial strain.
Dr. Azir pointed out that the rapid proliferation of universities has outpaced the allocation of funds from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), exacerbating financial hardships.
Highlighting FAPUASA’s resolution advocating for university reductions to alleviate financial pressures, Dr. Azir underscored the urgent need for a provincial Higher Education Commission and dedicated funding from the KP government to sustain higher education institutions effectively.
The discussions underscore a broader effort to restructure and stabilize KP’s higher education sector amid ongoing challenges.
The outcome of the committee’s deliberations and subsequent decisions will significantly impact the future landscape of higher education in the province, aiming to ensure sustainable educational standards and financial viability for universities in KP.
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