THE MISSION of transforming the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE) into the Skill University is becoming reality as National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education and Professional Trainings approves a bill having aim to establish Pakistan’s first ever national skills university. This project aims to meet the increasing demand for workforce and particularly blue-collar workforce for grand China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Meeting was organized in the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE) in the federal capital which will be altered into a full mature university after approval of bill in parliament.
Providing people education territory and safeguarding their role in the country’s development will not be happen until couple of university are established all over the country said by Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Balighur Rehman.
Balighur Rehman said new universities need to be opened, but there have been a few past examples of universities offering PhD courses without having a single PhD faculty member. “We have decided not to compromise on the quality of education,” he said.
While discussing the bill Rehman sated that there are not a single skilled university in the country. Skill university would increase number of skilled people and allow young students to play their role after gaining technical education in the development of the country.
NISTE has a huge building measuring 228 kanals, and used for technical education courses and teachers training. According to 18th Amendment, which transfer education to the provinces, the organization functioning was restricted to a few technical courses, but now it is going to transform into a university to fulfill the challenge of skilled manpower.
University will establish its campuses according to the National Skills University Bill. Vice Chancellor will head the university whereas an academia will determine the courses. After the university establishment number of faculty members would be send abroad for various training programmes.
Faculties include building technology and environment, electro technology, mechanical and automotive technology, industries and business and basic humanities and teacher education.
This committee was chaired by chairman retired Col Dr. Amirullah Marwat. Chairman also agreed that such kind of institutions should be established and this university should have at least one campus in every province.
For the nomination of Vice Chancellor search committee should be established and there should be two-third representation as required number for the meeting of the syndicate he added.
Once the bill passed from parliament, bill would upgrade NISTE to a university and its employees would be a given a free hand as they want to be employees of an independent body or remain civil servants. The one who are not willing to adopt to become university employ will be sent to the extra pool.