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Reforming the Higher Education Commission
Islamabad: There is a need for creating impact of knowledge in terms of indigenous solutions to Pakistan’s problems and development issues. This was expressed by Dr Mukhtar Ahmed during his first public speech as the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) at a welcome reception in his honour by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
On the occasion, Dr Abid Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, highlighted that it is important that real world problems and issues of development be covered in the curriculum taught at university level. He added that in Bangladesh and India, universities are proactive in linking research with policy, while in Pakistan, think-tanks are playing a more effective role in the policy domain as compared to universities. He suggested that the HEC can issue a standard template for maintaining a district data profile, while universities can follow the template in collecting data. This would help in minimizing the oft-quoted discrepancy of data available for both academic and policy research. He also brought forth the problems of communication skills faced by a number of talented students in the country. ‘Immersion’ courses were recommended in this context, whereby students coming from better economic backgrounds should be sent on the field, while those coming from underprivileged backgrounds can be sent to various institutions for better exposure.
He further said, that Higher Education forms the backbone of Pakistan’s institutional and academic capacity, and therefore strengthening and reforming the HEC is a crucial part of the development doctrine. It is integral that there is a renewed focus on science and technology in our higher education, with particular emphasis given to innovative research in engineering disciplines.
Dr Abid also said, that As Energy forms the engine of economic growth for any country, the Higher Education Commission too must ensure that students are trained and qualified in the most innovative technologies in the field of energy, and are also well-versed in the science of resource management. For example, unconventional gas has changed the dynamics of the global natural gas market, and Pakistan has the potential of 105 TCF of Shale Gas. Keeping this in mind, Shale Gas must make a part of higher education curriculum and students must be trained in this upcoming field. Technical areas in petrophsyics, petrochemistry, geology etc. must be strengthened in order for students to become a part of a Shale Gas Revolution in Pakistan, God willing.
Dr Abid further emphasis that new interdisciplinary degrees must be created in order to meet the demands of the time. Specialized engineering degrees – in specific topic areas such as hydropower, shale gas, renewable energy etc. – must be identified, and must at par with international standards and meet professional requirements in Pakistan. Academic degrees must be connected to the needs and focus of the country, and must not reinforce the notion of an ivory tower disconnected from the industry and government.
Dr Abid, further said that in order to fill knowledge gaps, there must be an exchange of knowledge with specialised institutes here and abroad. The most promising students must be sent on exchange programs to the top global institutes of higher learning for trainings in disciplines relevant to the needs of the country. Academic institutes too must form and strengthen partnerships not only in the region, but globally, in order to improve their technical expertise and knowledge. Collaborations with international universities for student exchanges and Research and Development Programs will help increase initiative, interest and bring new insights in existing prevailing educational methodology and practices in Pakistan. Research and Development programs and Scholarships in relevant Engineering disciplines will go a long way in building institutional and national capacity.
Explaining the success of Energy Unit of SDPI , that the key segment of infrastructural growth and relevant to the groundwork of many disciplines, engineering has been identified as an area of primary significance for successful and effective achievement of goals. Skilled engineers are indicative of an effective education system. Currently, though a significant number of students opt for engineering courses, the need for improvement in curriculum and revision in engineering courses by the HEC is to be emphasised. Therefore, there is a need for a curriculum review in light of the necessary changes to bring it up to par with international standards and desired professional criteria. Curriculum review should include an emphasis on teaching methodology logy and effective instruction. The curriculum review should focus on ensuring that up-to-date topics and specializations are being taught and identify areas for collaborations with international universities. Highlight subjects likely to be of relevant concern in Pakistan’s future, such as Shale Gas, Shale Gas technology, renewable energy and energy efficiency in technology should receive incisive focus.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk