LAHORE: The Chief Minister of Punjab/Controlling Authority of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has approved a supplementary grant of Rs. 700 million for the Punjab Higher Education Commission to address critical needs of higher education sector particularly relating to enhancing access, improving quality of teaching, promoting relevant research and supporting strong industry/academia linkages. 

In addition, Punjab government has also allocated Rs. 200 million to PHEC for foreign scholarships to be awarded to college teachers. This endorsement is a testament to the Chief Minister Punjab’s commitment to bringing higher education sector in Punjab at par with global standards.

This was informed by Chairperson Punjab HEC, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin in a letter written to 27 vice chancellors of the public sector universities of the province.

The letter mentions that another important responsibility assigned to PHEC by the government of the Punjab is the processing and management of 21 development schemes of worth Rs. 27 billion listed in the Annual Development Program of Punjab (ADP).

The Chairperson Punjab HEC said that following its establishment in January 2015, PHEC carried out a desk review based on available relevant reports and consultations with academicians, researchers on the status of higher education in Punjab. In order to address the challenges identified and in accordance with the functions enunciated in the PHEC Act 2015, a detailed work plan has been chalked out by PHEC to address the identified issues.  

Focusing on research relevant to the socio-economic needs of the province is a top priority of the PHEC as is faculty development programs to improve teaching standards. Engaging academia with the industry to collaborate on applied research and revitalizing/re-structuring college education through increased focus on imparting technical skills to create a job are also important goals. He informed that detailed guidelines and procedures for accessing funds would be shared soon.

Terming higher education is the single best investment; Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin said that PHEC is committed to fulfilling the vision of building a prosperous and skilled Punjab through providing quality higher education compatible with the imperatives of a knowledge economy.