HEC stops universities granting new affiliations to colleges and institutions

 

HEC stops universities granting new affiliations to colleges and institutions

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently announced a comprehensive ban on the issuance of new affiliations to colleges and institutions by universities across the country. This decision comes as part of HEC's ongoing review of the Affiliation Policy/Criteria, with the primary objective of improving the quality of education and addressing concerns related to certain public sector universities granting affiliations to substandard colleges and institutions.

HEC has expressed serious concerns regarding the practice of affiliating colleges and institutions that lack essential infrastructure, qualified faculty, and necessary auxiliary facilities, despite clear directives from the commission. In order to address these concerns and ensure higher standards in higher education, all public sector Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) authorized to grant affiliations have been instructed to immediately halt the process of granting new affiliations for colleges, institutions, and programs until revised criteria are issued.

However, existing affiliated programs, colleges, and institutions may have their affiliations extended, on the condition that an HEC nominee is included in the Affiliation Committee for the renewal process. This measure aims to ensure greater oversight and adherence to the revised standards.

Furthermore, public sector HEIs are required to promptly withdraw any advertisements related to granting affiliations that have been published in print or on social media platforms. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in non-recognition and non-attestation of degrees issued by non-compliant HEIs. HEC emphasizes that it reserves the right to take appropriate actions in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enforce compliance.

The decision to implement this ban is in line with the authority granted to HEC by Ordinance No. LIII of 2002 (Amendment Act No. XXI of 2021 and Second Amendment Act No. XXII of 2022), Section 10-1(a), which empowers the commission to establish policies, guiding principles, and priorities for HEIs in order to promote the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Additionally, Section 10-1(d) gives HEC the power to prescribe conditions for the opening and operation of institutions, including those outside the state educational system.

This move by the Higher Education Commission reflects its commitment to raising educational standards and ensuring that affiliations granted by universities align with the necessary quality benchmarks. By tightening the criteria for granting affiliations, HEC aims to enhance the overall educational landscape and provide students with access to high-quality educational institutions across the country.