Despite of the many programs initiated to make Pakistan a digital country and to make it better in education, Pakistan still lags behind in terms of Technological advancement and digitalization. Even in education, Pakistan is still behind. The higher level education is not satisfactory in Pakistan as they are not keeping up with the latest technology trends.
According to stats:
Sixty-four percent of Pakistan's 210 million population is below the age of 30. This equates to about 135 million Millennials. The youth of Pakistan is its strength. But the youth is not given equal opportunities in the country.
There are many loopholes in our education system. Thousands of graduates are graduated every year but they are not getting jobs.
What is the reason behind this? In this article, I will try to discuss some of the key points which needs to be improved in the education system of Pakistan.
Revise Course Outlines:
The very first thing which needs to be focused is the course outlines. The course outlines are really outdated at every level in Pakistan. Whether its matriculation, intermediate or graduate level, the course outlines remains the same for decades.
The Punjab Text Book Board (PTB) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) does not pay attention to the outdated course outlines.
They should update the courses to keep up with the latest trends and technological advancements. In IT & CS sector, things tend to evolve very rapidly, but out courses are so old that they does not even include latest technologies which are the demand of market.
Focus on Practical Skills:
Unfortunately, our education system does not focus on practical skill development. It just focus on marks and CGPA. The graduates learn practically nothing in their 4 years Bachelor's degree.
Schools, colleges and universities just focus on the theoretical concepts. Yes, I do agree that theoretical concepts are also important. But we cannot neglect practical study and skill development. Theoretical concepts and practical learning, both should exist side by side.
Experienced Teachers:
In our education system, PHD level teachers are a very few. Some years back, even the MS level teachers were few. But now the situation has been a bit better with HEC's rule that you must have 18 years education before applying for a lecturer in a University.
This step is good in my opinion as before this, fresh BS graduates were being appointed as lecturers in Universities. They were not experienced so how could they develop practical skills in their students.
Entry Test System:
Many people dispute that entry tests are a proof that Pakistan is itself not satisfied with its College and University level studies.
There will be no need of entry tests if education system would be improved from the very initial level such as schools and colleges.
If our schools and colleges tend to focus on practical learning and clearing concepts rather than cramming, the enter tests hassle can be eliminated.
Although there is not any problem with the entry test system. But the way it is implemented in Pakistan is really wrong and unjustified.
Lack of Funding for Projects:
Many universities in Pakistan lack the necessary tools and equipment which are needed to enhance the skills of Information Technology & Computer Science graduates.
It happens mostly that students come up with good ideas that can serve the society in a better way. But their university does not support the idea as they do not want to fund the project.
This issue should be eliminate and all the universities which are HEC recognized, should have a dedicated treasure to fund the FYP projects.
Lack of Digitalization:
The lack of digitalization is also one of the major barriers to equip the youth of Pakistan with better education and equipment.
However, some reforms are done to deal with this. Such as Digiskills, an online platform introduced by Government to equip the youth with such skills which are the demand of market.
Platforms like Digiskills are trying hard to improve the Freelancing & IT sector in Pakistan.
