Opinion of Teachers and Students about Futurology of Higher Education in Pakistan

Abstract

Higher education has been witnessing major transformations and facing enormous challenges worldwide in recent years. The role of higher education in today’s world is immense, complex, and vital. A wide range of challenges and possibilities are emerging, with political, economic and social implications. This study aims to explore the perception of students and teachers regarding future perspectives of higher education in Pakistan. Questionnaire was used as research tool. Three public sector universities were included as population. The questionnaire was administered to 298 students and 94 teachers from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur and The University of Punjab, Lahore. Mean score was calculated for overall level of agreement / disagreement for each statement. For mean score norm was 3.00.However level of agreement was different for each statement. Mcomb is also calculated of students and teachers. Genderwise, Institution-wise and faculty-wise analyses of students and teachers were also made for the comparison of level of agreement by using ChiSquare. The findings for each statement were made. On the basis of findings, the conclusions were drawn. It was found that (i)The respondents viewed that there might be emphasis on research in higher education in future and for this purpose more qualified faculty might be needed.(ii)There might be more access to higher education in Pakistan.(iii)Inter-university linkage might be essential to enrich the academic environment of universities.(iv)Quality of higher education might be brought it to international standard. On the basis of findings of study, following recommendations are made for future of higher education in Pakistan.(1)There should be more emphasis on research in higher education in future. For this purpose, special incentives for research work should be offered for the students and teachers of higher education level. (2) There should be facilities to have more access to higher education.(3)Inter university linkage and university industry linkage should be developed for better academic environment of university. Industry linkage should be developed for better academic environment of universities and better utility of higher education.(4)Higher education institutions should review the courses annually keeping in view the strengths and weaknesses in the courses