Higher Education Commission Urges Sindh to Reconsider University Governance Amendments-Notification

HEC Raises Concerns Over Proposed Amendments to Sindh Universities Act:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), through letter No. 10-01/2025/Coord/HEC/39 dated January 17, 2025, has addressed the Honorable Chief Minister of Sindh regarding a proposed amendment to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018. This amendment seeks to revise the eligibility criteria for appointing Vice Chancellors and Rectors in public sector universities across Sindh. The amendment would allow individuals without a Ph.D. and with limited academic credentials to apply for these prestigious positions. HEC has expressed grave concern over this proposed change, highlighting its potential adverse effects on academic standards, institutional governance, and the credibility of higher education in the province.

The HEC emphasizes the importance of appointing qualified academicians with extensive teaching, research, and administrative experience to leadership roles in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These criteria, internationally recognized and approved by the HEC in 2007, are essential for maintaining academic excellence, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring sound financial and administrative management in universities. Furthermore, the HEC has reminded the Sindh government that HEIs are autonomous entities governed under their respective acts, and that non-academic appointments could undermine their academic integrity.

This communication reinforces the HEC’s role as the sole national standard-setting authority for higher education, as determined by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in its 44th meeting held on April 7, 2021. The letter strongly recommends that the proposed amendments be withdrawn and encourages broader consultation with the HEC to safeguard the interests of higher education in Sindh.. Notification Describes;

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
H-9, ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, HI.SI
Chairman

No: 10-01/2025/Coord/HEC/39
January 17, 2025

Subject :-       Appointment of the Vice Chancellors/Rectors In Higher Education Institutions in Sindh

Respected Sir,

Effective governance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) 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 sustainably.

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 thorough 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^th 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,

(Prot. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed)

The Hon’ble Chief Minister – Sindh
Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Karachi

Conclusion:

The Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) response to the proposed amendment in the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018 underscores the critical importance of maintaining rigorous academic standards in the appointment of Vice Chancellors and Rectors. By permitting individuals without Ph.D. qualifications or sufficient academic and administrative expertise to assume these roles, the amendment poses a significant threat to the governance, autonomy, and reputation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Sindh. Such a decision, as pointed out by the HEC, would set a harmful precedent, jeopardizing not only the quality of education in Sindh but also across other provinces that may follow suit.

HEC’s advocacy for adherence to the eligibility guidelines established in 2007 reflects its commitment to fostering a higher education ecosystem that prioritizes merit, academic excellence, and institutional integrity. The Commission’s reminder of its role as the sole national standard-setting body for higher education, as affirmed by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), further reinforces the need for provincial governments to align their policies with national objectives.

In urging the Sindh government to withdraw the proposed amendment and engage in broader consultations, HEC seeks to protect the long-term interests of students, faculty, and academic institutions. This approach not only promotes better governance in HEIs but also ensures that the leadership of these institutions is equipped with the expertise and vision necessary to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global education landscape. By prioritizing collaboration and consensus, the Sindh government and HEC can work together to uphold the principles of academic integrity and institutional autonomy.

For more information, clarification or any other question feel free to join our WhatsApp Group. We are a supportive community where members are committed to assisting one another.