UOG Colleges progressing by leaps and bounds

Prof Naseeruddin Humayun Ghauri

A report published by Mr Mansoor Malik under the heading “Dialogue on Future of Four UOG Colleges” in the daily DAWN July 2, 2011, need a careful and salutary deciphering; to acknowledge the unprecedented achievements affected under the charismatic leadership of Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin Vice Chancellor University of Gujrat and the abundant benefits harvested by these four institutions: Fatima Jinnah College for Women, Marghzar College for Women, Railway Road College for Women and G.T.College for Boys in their symbiosis with the varsity management.

The following facts have been conceded, in consequence of the various dialogues, deliberations, and discussions going on in different committees by all the stake holders i.e Principals of the four colleges, Secretary Punjab Higher Education Department, Mr Haseeb Athar, Vice Chancellor UOG Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin and the Punjab Education Minister, Mr. Shuja ur Rehman.

Mr Haseeb Akhtar Secretary Punjab Higher Education Department is very forthright and unambiguous in his expression of the harm that might ensue on to the students and that the said colleges are prone to setback in quality education; if any reversal is effected. The accession of these four constituent colleges with the UOG; on its inception in the University of Gujrat Act 2004, has been a boon for the students, faculty and the populace of Gujrat at large. UOG has appreciably uplifted the academic standard of these colleges by introducing quality education and research. It has replenished these colleges with ultramodern facilities, new technologies, innovative methodologies; honed the pedagogical skills of the teachers and learning abilities of the students. The infrastructure of these colleges has been overhauled, renovated, modernized and considerably improved in all aspects and dimensions. Nine latest IT Labs have been established in varsity’s four constituent colleges. It has introduced Four Year Honours Degree Programmes in 43 professional disciplines under the semester system; which happens to be the best system of educations; known and practised all over the world. To cater to any unfortunate situation, emergency or any untoward happening to any student; it has introduced 2 year Associated Graduation Degree, as a bonafide exit with partial achievement, securing the career of the incumbent. The impression that 2 year BA/BSc Programme has been done away with by the UOG is absolutely wrong. The UOG keeping its eagle eyes on future horizons and prospects of education has concentrated and sidelined this programme in two of its constituent colleges i.e College for Boys G.T.Road and Fatima Jinnah College for Women. It is because of the latest techniques and strategies devised and applied under the bold and inspiring leadership of Prof Dr Nizamuddin that these colleges are flourishing, thriving and growing by leaps and bounds. Excepting Fatima Jinnah College for Women where there has occurred minor periodical decrease of 125 students, the students strength in all other colleges has appreciably increased. UOG College for Boys G.T.Road has witnessed an increase from 1853 in 2004 to 2509 this year; at Marghzar College the number of students increased from 1750 to 1900; while at Railway Road College for Women the figure has increased from 826 to 1120. This increase, development and growth goes unabated in all aspects and facets of the academia. Besides the co-curricular activities and games; which are the best medium for polishing student’s abilities and burgeoning up their talents; have witnessed a meteoric rise in these institutions. Almost all the principals excepting one have expressed their determination to continue their academic journey, hand in hand with the UOG; which is a constant source of their inspiration, strength, growth and development. They are happy with the UOG policy of filling all vacancies promptly and efficiently with its own resources. This immediate and continued availability of teaching staff helps them in keeping up the standard and quality of education.

The introduction of Evening programs in these colleges has further facilitated the populace and added to the prestige and utility of these institutions. Students and the faculty which keep close liaison with main campus enjoy its pristine academic ambience of motivated research and share the excellent culture of innovative learning and teaching. In interactive activities students acknowledge to have been inspired and have honed their learning skills; where better prospects and avenues lie open to them. Many of the teachers of these Institutions have already joined M.Phil classes at the university to improve their professional competence and pedagogical skills. That may be the reason why 56 out of total of 109 have abstained to reply and kept their quiet, because in the end they feel themselves to be the beneficiaries of their inclusion in the university; along with 7 others who have shown their willingness to join UOG on permanent basis. A staff of 109 with breakup of 66 teachers and 43 supporting staff; majority of whom is already on the right side of the positive option, is no doubt subject to a diarchy of university administration and the Punjab Education Department but they practically are harvesting dividends from both sides. Their lien with the Punjab Govt. is absolutely safe. Their financial benefits of G.P fund and pension are secure. Moreover there is no bar to their vacation from the varsity. They are at liberty to go any time they opt to their parent department.

The suggestion of the committee to the Chief Minister to open a new female college under the aegis of Punjab Education Department is very appropriate. 38 teachers who have opted to vacate can be amicably adjusted with a win win situation for all. The proposal of the committee to declare Gujrat a big city and dispense 45% house rent is equally salutary and welcome. These two steps will troubleshoot all problems and provide an excellent opportunity for the dissidents to adjust themselves to their entire satisfaction.