Education: money minting tactics (DAWN- March 06, 2013)

EDUCATION plays a vibrant role in a nation’s development. It is said that this otherwise noble sector has become too much commercialised in Pakistan. The educational standard of universities in the private sector, even the reputed ones, has deteriorated. I have witnessed undeserving students being admitted to such institutes on favourable packages and then getting their way throughout their academic year. There have been instances where postgraduate students are being taught by graduates.

It is a pity that now we sell education in packages. Almost every university or college practices this bizarre pattern. Having a degree and earning a degree are two very different things.Moreover, affiliations are awarded without proper scrutiny, responsibility and planning. As a result, we see colleges and universities in narrow streets, providing substandard learning. The Higher Education Commission and the authorities concerned need to take urgent measures to stop such unethical practices, putting an end to commercialisation in the education sector.

AMIR IKRAM
Lahore