Higher education institutions’ need for research and development is frequently unmet by budget of Pakistan, which has an impact on their ability to survive economically.
Higher education institutions’ need for research and development is frequently unmet by budget of Pakistan, which has an impact on their ability to survive economically.
To adjust to the shifting environment, novel solutions are required. Pakistani universities may attract students from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia if the government raises the budget allotted for higher education and uses it to raise standards.
Through public, private, and individual funding, education is crucial for a knowledge-based economy as it fosters social goals, group cohesion, and human development. However, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) reports that Pakistan devotes only 2.4% of its GDP to education, compared to averages of 4.5% in India, 4.7% in Korea, 3.4% in Japan, 3.6% in China, 3.9% in the United Arab Emirates, and 3.8% in Africa.
Foreign enrollments can bring in money, and raising the quality of higher education in Pakistan necessitates an all-encompassing strategy that takes into account different facets of the educational system.
It is critical to allocate a larger portion of the national budget to higher education. Infrastructure, faculty development, research facilities, and student support services can all be improved with enough funding. Increase faculty members’ motivation to pursue advanced degrees and research endeavours by strengthening quality assurance mechanisms, implementing accreditation procedures, investing in professional development programmes, and so on.
Create research facilities and allot funding for grants to promote creativity and knowledge creation. Encourage cooperation between government, industry, and academia to address current issues. Review and update curricula frequently, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, experiential learning, and the development of practical skills.
Encourage collaborations between higher education institutions and businesses to close the knowledge and skill gap. Encourage collaborative research projects, industrial projects, and internships to advance applied learning.
Provide access to digital resources, research databases, and online education platforms while upgrading the technology infrastructure. Create cutting-edge labs, libraries, and other facilities as needed to support instruction and research.
To accommodate a larger student population, universities should be expanded, scholarship programmes, financial aid, and outreach programmes improved. To ensure ethical standards, improve institutional accountability, transparency, and governance.
By fostering inclusive environments and encouraging women’s participation in STEM fields, one can foster an entrepreneurial mindset, stimulate economic growth, and advance gender equality in higher education.
Undoubtedly, the higher education budget needs to be increased; otherwise, Pakistan’s research and educational paradigms will suffer.
The government, academic institutions, business stakeholders, and civil society must work together to implement the aforementioned recommendations. To ensure long-term improvements in higher education in Pakistan, constant monitoring, evaluation, and strategy adaptation are required.
Originally published at Pakistan Today