Sindh is set to introduce new legislation aimed at appointing vice-chancellors based on merit. Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahu, announced the drafting of specialized legislation to establish a meritocratic system, moving away from direct appointments by the chief minister.
Merit-Based Appointment of Vice-Chancellors
This proposed law seeks to ensure that academic leaders are selected through a transparent and fair process. The Sindh government is committed to reforms in higher education, as highlighted by Minister Rahu. SindhNews.com has followed these developments closely.
The legislation will allow for a broader pool of eligible candidates, including senior professors and PhD holders, alongside administrative professionals. This ensures that both academic prowess and management skills are considered for vice-chancellor roles.
Sindh’s Financial Commitment to Higher Education
Currently, the Sindh government significantly leads in financial support for its universities. The province reportedly provides approximately Rs42–43 billion in grants, exceeding federal contributions and the Higher Education Commission’s.
This substantial investment underscores Sindh’s dedication to strengthening its educational institutions. As reported by SindhNews.com, this financial commitment is a priority for the provincial administration.
The focus on merit extends to public sector recruitment, with initiatives like the IBA testing mechanism already enabling large-scale induction of qualified teachers.
The 15th convocation of Quaid-i-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (Quest) saw 591 students awarded degrees. Minister Rahu distributed degrees and medals, emphasizing the government’s role in fostering employment opportunities for graduates. Quest Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Raza Samo noted the university’s extensive research contributions.
The initiative aims to modernize provincial universities and align them with global standards, ultimately benefiting the nation’s progress.