akistan is at a crucial stage in its development journey. It needs major reforms to improve its education system. With around 244 universities—145 public and 99 private—the demand for a strong and effective higher education model is clear. Finland, known for its student-focused approach and emphasis on personalised learning and well-being, provides a great example.

Finland’s education system changed significantly in the 1970s when it moved from an elitist model to one that offers equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background. By the 1990s, Finland had decentralised its education system, giving local authorities and schools more control to adjust their curricula and teaching methods to meet their students’ needs. This focus on local autonomy and teacher professionalism has been key to Finland’s success in education.

Finland’s education system focuses on personalised learning. Every student gets individual attention and customised learning plans based on their strengths, interests and needs. Pakistani universities should adopt similar methods by creating systems for individual academic advice and support services. Using technology to monitor student progress and provide personalised feedback can help achieve this.

In Finland, students’ well-being is a top priority. Its achievement is supported by strong systems that include mental health services to ensure that students are both academically successful and healthy. Our universities should implement policies that emphasise mental health support by setting up counselling centres and wellness programmes to address students’ psychological and emotional needs. Creating research centres focused on students’ well-being and learning outcomes can offer valuable insights and data, helping to shape effective and evidence-based policies and practices.

Finland invests significantly in teacher training and professional development, understanding the vital role educators assume in the learning process. Pakistani universities need to implement comprehensive teacher training programmes that focus on modern teaching methods and integrating technology in the classroom. Partnering with international institutions can give Pakistani educators access to the latest educational research and best practices.

By adopting key elements of Finland’s education model, Pakistan can build a more inclusive, equitable and effective higher education system, empowering its students to succeed in the 21st Century. To achieve similar success, the Higher Education Commission can focus on the following essential areas.

Pakistan has the potential to transform from a place many leave for better opportunities abroad into a thriving hub of innovation and academic excellence that attracts global talent. Improving our education system by learning from successful models elsewhere is a crucial step toward achieving this vision.

1. Teacher training and professional development: Finland’s success is largely due to its highly trained teachers. The HEC should introduce regulations to prioritise extensive training programmes, ensuring that educators are well-versed in modern teaching techniques and can effectively integrate technology into their teaching.

2. Student-centric policies: As Pakistan navigates the complexities of the modern world, a robust and student-focused higher education system is crucial for the country’s progress and prosperity. It is important to implement policies that prioritise students’ well-being and personalised learning. The HEC can develop frameworks for academic counseling and support services tailored to individual student needs, using technology to monitor progress and provide customised feedback.

3. Holistic education: A well-rounded education is essential for developing versatile graduates. The HEC has made substantial progress in the past few years by introducing liberal arts education in its new undergraduate policy. It should continue to support curricula that include life skills, arts and physical education alongside academic learning. Encouraging universities to offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities will help achieve this goal.

4. Infrastructure and resources: Despite limited resources, incremental increases in funding for higher education can make a significant impact. The HEC should focus on allocating a higher percentage of the gross domestic product to education, like Finland, prioritising student support services and teacher training. Collaborations between universities and the private sector can provide additional funding and resources.

5. Autonomy and accountability: Granting universities greater autonomy while implementing robust accountability measures can encourage innovation and ensure high educational standards. The HEC should support the establishment of research centres focused on student well-being and learning outcomes, providing data-driven insights to inform policies and practices.

As per Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” It is time for Pakistan to wield this weapon with precision and purpose, ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.

Pakistan has the potential to transform from a place many leave for better opportunities abroad into a thriving hub of innovation and academic excellence that attracts global talent. Improving our education system by learning from successful models elsewhere is a crucial step toward achieving this vision.

The writer is a former vice chancellor of the Government College University, Lahore