NewKerala.com

QAU Degree Crisis: 1,200 Students Stuck as VC Post Remains Vacant

More than 1,200 students at Quaid-i-Azam University cannot receive their degrees because the mandatory Vice-Chancellor's signature is unavailable, stalling their academic and professional futures. The crisis began in February after the former VC resigned, with no permanent or acting replacement appointed since. The administrative vacuum has also frozen salaries for about 150 visiting lecturers and stalled critical financial negotiations. Despite interviews, the final appointment rests with the President of Pakistan as chancellor, leaving the university in paralysis.

Key Points: QAU Students Can't Get Degrees Due to Vacant VC Post

  • Degree issuance halted for 1200+ students
  • VC post vacant for over two months
  • Visiting lecturers unpaid for up to two years
  • Only 25% of bailout funds released
  • Appointment authority lies with President
2 min read

Pakistan's academic paralysis: QAU students, faculty left in limbo due to vacant VC post

Over 1,200 QAU students are in limbo as degree issuance halts without a Vice-Chancellor's signature, causing academic and salary crises.

"Over 1,200 degrees are pending - University Official"

Islamabad, April 4

More than 1,200 students at Quaid-i-Azam University are unable to obtain their degrees due to a prolonged administrative standstill, as the Vice-Chancellor's position has remained vacant for over two months. The absence of leadership has stalled key university functions, raising serious concerns about governance and student futures, as reported by Dawn.

According to Dawn, officials said that the issuance of degrees has come to a complete halt because the VC's signature is mandatory.

"Over 1,200 degrees are pending," an official stated. The vacuum has also disrupted syndicate and selection board meetings, leaving critical academic and administrative decisions unresolved.

The crisis began after former VC Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar stepped down on February 6 to assume the role of chairman of the Higher Education Commission. Since then, neither a permanent nor an acting VC has been appointed, deepening the institutional paralysis. Students say the delay is jeopardising their academic and professional prospects.

One graduate stated that plans to apply for higher education abroad have been stalled due to the unavailability of a degree. Departments have reportedly informed students that no documents can be issued until a VC is appointed.

Faculty members are also facing severe hardships. Around 150 visiting lecturers have not received salaries for up to two years. While some funds were recently released by the federal government, payments remain pending due to the lack of an authorised signatory.

The university is simultaneously grappling with financial instability. Of the PKR 2 billion bailout package promised last year, only PKR 500 million has been disbursed so far. Officials stress that appointing a VC is essential to pursue the remaining funds with the government, as highlighted by Dawn.

Although the education ministry has forwarded names for an acting VC and interviews have reportedly been conducted, no appointment has been finalised. As per regulations, the President of Pakistan, acting as chancellor, holds the authority to make the appointment, as reported by Dawn.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The visiting lecturers not getting paid for TWO YEARS? That's inhuman. How are they supposed to survive? This shows a complete breakdown of governance. While we often discuss our neighbor's political issues, the human cost of such administrative failure on ordinary students and teachers is heartbreaking. 😔
A
Aman W
It's a classic case of priorities being misplaced. The President has the authority to appoint but hasn't for over two months. Meanwhile, students' plans for higher studies abroad are ruined. This lack of urgency towards education is a problem we see in many developing nations, not just across the border.
P
Priyanka N
As an academic myself, this hits close to home. A university cannot function without stable leadership. The ripple effect is huge—degrees, salaries, funding, everything stalls. I hope they find a capable VC soon. Education should never be collateral damage in administrative lapses.
D
David E
Reading this from a global perspective, it's concerning. QAU is a premier institution. Such paralysis at the top sends a terrible signal to the international academic community about stability. The students losing opportunities abroad is the immediate loss, but the long-term reputational damage is worse.
K
Karthik V
While I sympathize with the students, we must also look inward. Do we have a robust system in India to prevent such a scenario in our central universities if a VC post falls vacant? This news should be a case study for our own UGC and Ministry of Education to ensure continuity plans are in place.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50