Universities without VCs

Now is the time for ensuring discipline and order in the highest level of our privately controlled education sector

Once again our private universities have come under the spotlight, and this time the accusation is many of them are being run without VCs. According to the latest findings of the University Grants Commission (UGC), at least 35 private universities out of a total 94 do not have a VC, while 69 do not have a pro-VC and 46 are running without a treasurer. It was, however, good to learn that the UGC has voiced of adopting strict punitive measures by stopping the admission of students in these universities if they didn’t fill the important vacant posts of Vice Chancellors, Pro- VC and treasurers the soonest.

This shocking revelation once again questions the validity, quality and the credibility rendered by these private universities in Bangladesh. The UGC list also clearly shows that at least 20 of these private universities are devoid of VCs for a long time. The question automatically arises - why weren’t they sent legal notices and asked for explanations and penalised accordingly?

On the topic of appointing Vice Chancellors, the UGC is reported to have urging the private university authorities for more than the last seven months to send a panel proposal to have VCs appointed by the President. But most of these universities at fault have not responded positively so far. Ranging from operating in hired campuses, to being run by poor quality teachers our private universities are riddled with many other problems. It’s time the UGC constantly monitors their operational activities at a much deeper length. Rather amazingly, despite a series of proven irregularities the authorities of private universities seem to be indifferent to their defects by not following instructions of the UGC. This isn’t only a mark of sheer audacity, but also a sign of mocking the regularity authority. The situation wouldn’t have become so bad, had the UGC only reprimanded these law defying institutions right on time.

We don’t want this prevailing disorder to ruin our private universities. More than the UGC, it’s up to the owners and administrators of these universities to decide whether they will follow system and discipline by showing respect to the laws of the land. Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings there is little reform to note as yet. Lastly, if the UGC is anyhow failing to regulate these objectionable universities we expect it to address its limitations and weaknesses while strengthening its authoritative powers. Now is the time for ensuring discipline and order within the highest level of our privately controlled education sector.

Universities without VCs

Now is the time for ensuring discipline and order in the highest level of our privately controlled education sector

Once again our private universities have come under the spotlight, and this time the accusation is many of them are being run without VCs. According to the latest findings of the University Grants Commission (UGC), at least 35 private universities out of a total 94 do not have a VC, while 69 do not have a pro-VC and 46 are running without a treasurer. It was, however, good to learn that the UGC has voiced of adopting strict punitive measures by stopping the admission of students in these universities if they didnt fill the important vacant posts of Vice Chancellors, Pro- VC and treasurers the soonest. This shocking revelation once again questions the validity, quality and the credibility rendered by these private universities in Bangladesh. The UGC list also clearly shows that at least 20 of these private universities are devoid of VCs for a long time. The question automatically arises - why werent they sent legal notices and asked for explanations and penalised accordingly? On the topic of appointing Vice Chancellors, the UGC is reported to have urging the private university authorities for more than the last seven months to send a panel proposal to have VCs appointed by the President. But most of these universities at fault have not responded positively so far. Ranging from operating in hired campuses, to being run by poor quality teachers our private universities are riddled with many other problems. Its time the UGC constantly monitors their operational activities at a much deeper length. Rather amazingly, despite a series of proven irregularities the authorities of private universities seem to be indifferent to their defects by not following instructions of the UGC. This isnt only a mark of sheer audacity, but also a sign of mocking the regularity authority. The situation wouldnt have become so bad, had the UGC only reprimanded these law defying institutions right on time. We dont want this prevailing disorder to ruin our private universities. More than the UGC, its up to the owners and administrators of these universities to decide whether they will follow system and discipline by showing respect to the laws of the land. Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings there is little reform to note as yet. Lastly, if the UGC is anyhow failing to regulate these objectionable universities we expect it to address its limitations and weaknesses while strengthening its authoritative powers. Now is the time for ensuring discipline and order within the highest level of our privately controlled education sector.