Our education system has not produced any remarkable people, even though Dr. Abdul Salam, the Noble Prize winner got his initial education in Pakistan, he did his extensive research in Physics, for which he was the awarded Noble prize outside Pakistan, which proves that our education is not conducive to research. Many voices for educational reforms have emphasized uniformity of curriculum to in finish the disparity in our education system. Having gone through governmental schooling, I think the real problem lies somewhere else.
Physical discrepancies like lack of portable water, toilets and enough space in class rooms, along with austerity of modern laboratories, new researches in libraries, IT facilities and copy culture, is part of the problem but the major part is lack of a clear and visionary education policy. Nowadays Federal and Provincial governments are discussing about the powers of formulation a uniform curriculum. Both stack holders have their own aspiration and apprehensions. Overhauling of education policy is inevitable for educational reforms. Unnecessary repetition and book dependency has curtailed creativity and independent thinking. If we look at existing science syllabus for class ninth, matriculation and FSC, we will see repetition in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
I cannot reconcile that if screening tests, written tests, psychological tests and interviews are taken, to assess talent of applicants, then why demand for higher previous grades? A sufficient number of students fail to comply with the demand of higher grades, because those students prefer to improve their talent in advanced degrees than repeating one exam again and again just for grades. Education policy makers may eradicate unnecessary repetition of subjects and other loop holes. Organizations, institutes and agencies, offering jobs and scholarships, should treat all students equally.
ABDUL SAMAD NOON,
Sindh, March 24.