Key posts vacant for years at University of Gujrat

Absence of deans, treasurer and pro-VC raises concerns over academic standards

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GUJRAT:

Several key administrative and academic positions at the University of Gujrat (UoG), including treasurer, pro-vice chancellor and multiple faculty deans, have remained vacant for years, raising concerns about the institution's academic performance and future of students.

Sources said the prolonged vacancies have affected research activities and modern academic development at the university. Despite directions from the Punjab government and the Higher Education Department (HED) to fill the posts, appointments have yet to be made.

According to officials, the dean positions for the IT department have remained vacant for the past three to four years, while the faculties of management sciences and sciences have been operating without deans for two to three years.

The post of dean of engineering is also expected to fall vacant in May.

Similarly, the crucial post of treasurer has not had a permanent appointment since the university's establishment nearly 20 years ago.

The position of pro-vice chancellor has also remained vacant for about five months following the removal of former acting vice chancellor Dr Mushahid Anwar from the post. On March 4, the Punjab government's Higher Education Department formally wrote to UoG Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoorul Haq, directing him to appoint a pro-vice chancellor in accordance with the rules by selecting one of the top three candidates based on seniority.

The candidates include former vice chancellor of Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology and Chairperson of the Department of Chemical Engineering Dr Salman Tahir, and Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology Dr Shahid Iqbal.

Meanwhile, a group of PhD faculty members led by Dr Jahanzeb Irshad had also raised concerns about alleged disregard for seniority in appointments.

The Punjab governor had sought a report on the matter within a week in February, but no action has yet been taken.

Faculty members awaiting appointments warned that continued delays could affect the quality of education and lead to administrative challenges, potentially lowering the university's academic standing.

They stressed that filling vacant academic positions should be a top priority.

Recently, however, the university administration appointed Naeem Butt as registrar, filling the additional registrar's post while other key vacancies remain unaddressed.

Some faculty members claim the appointment was made swiftly due to his close association with the university administration.