Academic Autonomy: Challenges and The Struggle
Dr Intikhab Ulfat | 21 January 2025 | The Express Tribune
The higher education sector in Pakistan is at a critical juncture, facing issues that undermine its foundations and threaten its role in national progress. The recent appointment of bureaucrats as Vice Chancellors (VCs) in universities across Sindh has ignited protests led by the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA). These demonstrations reflect a broader crisis that encompasses governance, academic autonomy and the quality of education in public universities.
At the heart of the controversy is the appointment of bureaucrats to the pivotal role of VC, a decision seen as prioritising administrative control over academic leadership. Universities, as institutions of learning, research and innovation, require leaders with strong academic credentials and a vision for educational excellence. However, appointing bureaucrats - often with limited academic experience - sends a signal that administrative convenience and political agendas take precedence over fostering intellectual growth and research. This trend undermines the institutional autonomy of universities and risks misaligning their priorities with the broader goals of higher education….