Gen Z expects more than the formal education system offers
Almost all Public sector universities of Punjab have been breathing their last due to the heavy financial deffest since long while the efforts so far made on experimental bases have gone in vain. The Ex-government initiated programs for the betterment of education, as well as the experienced and well-known current authorities striving hard to overcome the critical situation of the universities as well. Missing strong planning and keeping its outcome is a key factor because the entire education system is still running on temporary grounds rather than expected objectivity. Many other factors are involved, but diminution of the educational budget is the key element of educational collapse. The News-Republic has discussed the issue with the newly appointed Vice-Chancellors of leading public sector universities, foreign-qualified, with vast administrative and educational experience, well known for their contribution to strengthening national policies of education.
Vice Chancellor of Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam, who has already served as VC at Punjab University of Technology Rasul and University of Education, while discussing the current financial situation of the public sector universities, said that it is a fact that we are facing these challenges. Before GCUF, I have served in some public sector universities where these issues existed, but now those are in a far better financial situation. Policies and actions in a similar direction really matter. Your dedication to work and loyalty to the institute always pay back. Public sector universities are actually for the public without any distinction, and the VC should be bound to follow the regulations. No doubt there are many restrictions to act on or implications of the ideology, but as I have learnt from my experiences, every impossible has a possible in it. When you have the solution, you may not worry. Worst situations give you exposure to deal with the issue, so this problem would also be resolved if every stakeholder came on a similar path to lead.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, specialized in Plant Breeding and Genetics, having assive administrative experience as well, has recently assumed charge as VC. While talking to “The News Republic,” he said that he was optimistic about a brighter future for the university. Since I have taken charge as VC, I have been facing many challenges, particularly the shortage of funds. The model of public sector universities is entirely different from the private sector. The VC has to follow the rules and regulations that have already been defined by the authorities, while, on the other hand, the system of Private universities is fully authorized to do what their boards and officials think is good for it. Procedural hurdles are really a big issue in running the institutes properly. University of Agriculture is one of the leading and biggest university, offers industry-oriented programs as per its existing capacity. The alumni of UOA are serving not only in Pakistan but across the entire globe is rendering their expertise. Public sector universities have the capacity to grow, but a complete model is required for revamping their execution.
Prof. Dr. Nadeem Sheikh, Molecular Biologist and senior foreign-qualified scientist, assumed charge as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mianwali in late 2025. Dr. Sheikh said that the current era has been revolutionized with technological enhancement, and we must address our issues through the lens of advancement. What we have served so far is not essential for this Gen Z. They have their own path to work because they are not made to follow, but we have to bow down to serve them as per their existed skill. Lacking attention to formal education isn’t their fault, but it is our mistake because we didn’t upgrade ourselves for them. The concerned authorities are very serious about this issue, and most probably it will be solved soon. Common issues must be catered to on similar grounds by addressing the root of the problem.
Punjab education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat, a foreign-qualified academic and politician, appears keenly aware of the deep-rooted challenges of confronting the education sector. Amid growing financial pressures and concerns over declining student interest, he has been personally engaging with issues facing public-sector universities and seeking practical solutions. His coordination with the newly appointed vice-chancellors has also provided a channel for them to communicate their concerns, reservations, and suggestions directly.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Akhtar, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) , brings his own extensive experience from serving at many leading public-sector Universities. His meetings with Vice-Chancellors focus on understanding their institutional difficulties and exploring possible solutions to help universities move forward.
Gen Z wants skills development