A recent plan, allegedly proposed by foreign lenders, suggests cutting off public funding for universities and transforming these institutions into self-sustaining entities. Should this proposal come to fruition, countless students from middle and lower-income families could find their aspirations of attaining higher education slipping out of reach. According to a report, this “transformation plan” aims to convert public universities into “corporate entities” that operate independently of federal or provincial financial support. While the concept of fiscal sustainability for public universities isn’t inherently flawed, the repercussions of such a drastic change could be devastating, especially for students from less privileged backgrounds.
For years, Pakistan’s public universities have faced severe financial strain. Many institutions have been kept afloat largely by funding from the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Without these injections of funds, they would likely struggle to operate effectively. In light of this situation, it’s understandable that reform is necessary. The proposal does include potentially positive measures, such as enhancing the quality of education and trimming down administrative bloat. In some universities, the number of office staff exceeds that of students, which highlights the inefficiency in staffing and management that needs addressing.
However, the proposal’s suggestion to entirely eliminate government funding is concerning. By placing the financial burden on students, these universities would become inaccessible to a significant portion of Pakistan’s youth. It suggests a future in which only those who can afford high fees will have the opportunity to pursue higher education — an outcome that is incompatible with the vision of an equitable society.
Admittedly, there is room for improvement within Pakistan’s higher education sector. The rapid expansion of universities over the last two decades has not been matched by a corresponding improvement in academic standards. Public universities should focus on becoming centers of educational excellence, rather than serving as employment hubs for surplus administrative staff. In addition, they could explore alternative revenue streams beyond federal funding. For example, universities could leverage campus land, establish investment portfolios, and engage with successful alumni networks to generate funds. However, entirely cutting off government support in a single move is not a reasonable solution, and should be opposed by policymakers.
Amid the financial pressures faced by most Pakistani households today, any considerable increase in tuition fees would likely force many talented students to abandon their dreams of higher education. While financial reforms in higher education are necessary, converting public universities into profit-driven entities is not the answer. Instead, a balanced approach should be sought — one that ensures sustainable funding while preserving access to affordable education for all, regardless of socio-economic background. In this way, the country can strive toward a future where education remains a right, not a privilege reserved for those with means.
The Perils of Defunding Public Universities
A recent plan, allegedly proposed by foreign lenders, suggests cutting off public funding for universities and transforming these institutions into...
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