The semester system was introduced in Pakistani universities as a modern approach based on contemporary principles. However, after a short period of implementation, many flaws have surfaced, negatively affecting students’ education and lives. These issues include poor academic systems in universities, exploitation of students, corruption, sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior of PhD supervisors, exorbitant fees, and substandard education.
In many Pakistani universities, the education system does not match the fees being charged. Speaking of fees, universities have become like minting factories. The high fees not only burden students but also break the backs of parents. Even a teacher with an 18-19 grade can’t afford to provide quality education for their two or three children.
The purpose of the semester system was to improve educational standards, but in practice, it seems to have only benefited the economic status of tutors. The education provided to students under the semester system is far from standard. Lack of educational material, substandard teaching staff, and absence of educational resources limit students’ academic development. As a result, students’ academic abilities and knowledge decrease. In universities, the focus of the education system has shifted from gaining knowledge to simply obtaining a degree. Many students attend university solely to get a degree without focusing on the quality of education. This results in students obtaining degrees but falling short in knowledge and skills.
The roots of the flaws in Pakistan’s university system run deep. First and foremost, there is the issue of teaching materials. Many universities have outdated curriculums that do not meet modern requirements. Curriculum renewal is necessary to equip students with knowledge that aligns with current demands and market trends. Moreover, the shortage of teaching staff is a significant problem. In many universities, there are too few tutors, leaving students without adequate guidance. These issues existed before, but the semester system has exacerbated them. It has been observed that textbooks have become rare in universities. PowerPoint presentations have taken over, and two slides from a 2,000-page book are now enough—one for the midterm, the other for the final. This is not the path to success but rather to “half-success.”
The biggest flaw of the semester system is the exploitation of students. Tutors use various tactics to get personal work done by students, which is appalling. Flattering and excessive praise can lead to sky-high CGPAs, while diligent and self-respecting students are either failed multiple times or forced to repeat the semester. To pass, they must follow the custom-made paths set by tutors—picking them up from home, dropping them off, taking them shopping, and visiting a good restaurant at least once a week have become the “pathway to success.” This has become a trend in many universities.
Students often face situations where they are distracted from their studies by non-academic activities. PhD scholars, who often resort to plagiarism to write articles, include the names of supervisors to increase their article count. Moreover, there are institutions that publish these articles for a price, rather than for quality. This practice is not just prevalent in Pakistan but has become a global trend.
Corruption in universities is destroying the educational system. Cheating in exams, bribery for admissions, and the sale of educational certificates not only affect the quality of education but also ruin students’ futures. These practices not only weaken educational standards but also impact students’ prospects.
Sexual harassment in universities is another serious issue. Many students face sexual harassment, which not only disturbs their educational environment but also negatively affects their mental health. Victimized students often fail to receive justice. Sexual harassment takes many forms, including from professors and other academic staff. In many universities, PhD holders are at the forefront of promoting such exploitation. The scandal at Bahawalpur University is not the only one. The semester system forces students to offer their time, energy, and money to PhD supervisors, often leading to such incidents. These occurrences not only affect students’ academic performance but also distort their personalities. Self-respecting students often end up mentally distressed.
The way PhD holders teach reflects how they themselves were taught. Poor treatment from PhD supervisors is another severe issue. Supervisors’ inappropriate behavior, making students do unnecessary tasks, and negligence in academic support makes life difficult for PhD students. Instead of providing academic guidance, supervisors prioritize personal gain, a common attitude. As someone once said, employees in every department are paid not to provide convenience to the public but to make their lives difficult. The situation is even worse with PhD supervisors, who act like tyrants. They attempt to extort money from students instead of helping with research proposals, thesis writing, or research preparation. This might explain why no practical work is done on any Pakistani PhD research, and their references are often not even acknowledged.
These flaws in the semester system are becoming a major obstacle to students’ academic growth. Immediate solutions are necessary to improve educational standards and provide students with quality education. It is essential to tailor this system to Pakistan’s actual conditions, ensuring that students are protected from exploitation and can succeed through hard work, not through “half-success.”
