The Higher Education Commission's Tough Task: Navigating a Complex Landscape
After months of anticipation, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has finally appointed a new leader, marking a pivotal moment for the country's higher education sector. While the HEC's role as a regulator has been relatively clear, the recent devolution of powers to the provinces has introduced a layer of complexity. This article delves into the challenges the HEC faces, emphasizing the need for a strong leadership approach to justify its continued existence.
The HEC's primary task is to harmonize the overlapping roles and responsibilities between federal and provincial entities. For instance, launching a new academic program requires statutory approval from both federal and provincial higher education bodies, a process that can be cumbersome. Additionally, the HEC and provincial bodies conduct performance reviews, sometimes resulting in multiple evaluations, causing unnecessary strain on universities. A unified mechanism for performance review is essential to streamline this process.
Furthermore, the HEC must initiate a consultative process to amend its governing laws, focusing on its regulatory role. This includes quality control, continuous curriculum revision, international funding, and faculty research support. Safeguarding university autonomy is crucial, as recent arbitrary changes to study schemes have undermined the independence of higher learning institutions. The HEC should ensure that public sector universities, in particular, maintain their autonomy, which is essential for their effective functioning.
The HEC also needs to review research grants and their outcomes. University faculty often pursue any available funding opportunities, leading to irrelevant programs and neglecting crucial areas that require research support. For instance, there is a lack of research on enhancing the employability of university graduates in the local and international job market. The research agenda should be developed through consultation, prioritizing issues with national implications.
Another pressing issue is the prevalence of intolerance and right-wing narratives in universities. These institutions should foster free thinking, dissent, and intellectual challenge, but unfortunately, many higher learning institutions fall short. Public sector universities, in particular, have strict codes of conduct for professors and scholars, often aligning with state directives. This stifles intellectual freedom and reduces professors to mere repeat performers of undergraduate and postgraduate lessons.
The new HEC leader must promote debate and create an environment that ensures intellectual freedom and protects the rights of teachers and students. By addressing these challenges, the HEC can play a pivotal role in shaping a more robust and inclusive higher education system.
