ISLAMABAD (Czechangez Khan Jadoon) – The Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) has strongly criticized the Sindh government regarding the controversial appointments of bureaucrats to head the public sector universities across the province. The Chairman, in a letter vide No: 10-01/2025/Coord/HEC/39 dated: January 17, 2025 addressed to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, emphasized to follow the Guidelines for the Selection of the Rector/Vice Chancellor that were approved by the Commission-the governing body of the Higher Education Commission with representation from all the provinces-in its 12th Meting held on February 24, 2007.
According to him, the Sindh Government move will have grave consequences for the quality of education and will also affect the academic freedom and critical thinking of universities. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, in his letter with Subject: Appointment of the Vice Chancellors/Rectors in Higher Education Institutions in Sindh, further stated that it is extremely worrying that the Sindh province is amending the Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018.
Transcript of Chairman HEC ‘s Letter to CM Sindh
Effective governance of Higher Education Institutions (HEls) hinges among other things on the quality, experience and acumen of leadership gained through decades of association with the higher education sector a phenomenon which is internationally practiced and recognized for achieving excellence in academics, governance and financial sustainability.
02. It is learnt with grave concern that the province of Sindh is contemplating to propose an Amendment in the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018, thus revising the criteria for appointment of public sector Vice Chancellors/Rectors in the universities located across the Sindh province through legislation by the provincial assembly. The Amendment, if passed would bring significant changes in the basic eligibility criteria and would enable the Non-PhDs to apply and considered for selection to the revered position of the Vice Chancellor/Head of the Institution, hence paving way for the appointment of non-academicians a retrogressive step which will not only have serious consequences on the academic standards but would also affect academic freedom and critical thinking, and may compromise upon the stature and attached veneration of the office, besides creating an unfortunate precedence for the other provinces/regions.
03. It is clarified that the Guidelines for the Selection of the Rector/Vice Chancellor were approved by the Commission-the governing body of the Higher Education Commission with representation from all the provinces-in its 12th Meting held on February 24, 2007. The said guidelines entail the eligibility criteria for the position of Vice Chancellor/Rector which requires an outstanding academician of international stature having preferably earned a doctorate degree, teaching and research experience, publications in HEC-recognised journals, administrative and financial management expertise in reputable institutions, and an age limit of 65 years and emphasize that the appointment be made through an independent Search Committee. Additional aspects as outlined in the Act of the HEI and the statutes framed thereunder are also a distinctive feature of the eligibility criteria.
04. Moreover, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous entities by virtue of their Acts and governed under provisions of acts/statutes/regulations through their statutory authorities and any such appointments of non- academic administrators undermines the academic integrity of the universities. Moreover, as per its decision dated April 7, 2021, taken by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in its 44″ Meeting, “Higher Education Commission will be the sole standard setting national organization with regard to higher education in the country.”
05. Foregoing in view, HEC strongly recommends that such amendments, being neither in the interests of the Higher Education Institutions nor for the benefits of the academic fraternity, may be withdrawn and any ongoing or upcoming proceedings on the issue may be discontinued. It would be appreciated if such proposals are shared with the HEC for a broader consultation in the Commission and a consensus be reached in the larger interests of the HE Sector.
With profound regards,
(Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed)