Defending autonomy

The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA)’s protest against appointing bureaucrats as vice-chancellors and the trend of non-permanent faculty appointments is a necessary and timely measure to safeguard higher education. The appointment of bureaucrats as vice-chancellors is a dangerous move that threatens the autonomy of universities. The vice-chancellor plays a pivotal role in ensuring the academic and research excellence of an institution. This position demands a person with deep expertise in academic matters and a profound understanding of educational challenges. However, bureaucrats often lack the academic background and insight required to manage and enhance university standards effectively.

One of the significant risks of bureaucratic leadership is the potential politicisation of educational institutions. Bureaucrats may prioritise administrative and political agendas over academic and research priorities, resulting in a decline in educational standards. Such appointments undermine meritocracy and create an environment of mistrust and inefficiency in academic institutions. The increasing trend of hiring non-permanent faculty is another critical issue that adversely affects higher education. Permanent faculty members play a vital role in maintaining academic standards and fostering a culture of research and innovation.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi