Supporting Decentralized Higher Education Institutes for Improved Teaching and Learning ($ 89.18 M)
This component aims to improve the Quality of Education delivered by Affiliated Universities (AUs) and Affiliating Colleges (ACs). This component focuses on developing functional Quality Enhancement Cell in Affiliated Colleges (QECAC) in Affiliated Universities (AUs), improvement of undergraduate education (ADs), improvement of 4-year Undergraduate programs, Development, and Implementation of skills courses for community colleges, training staff and faculty, and supporting regional hubs for the National Academy for Higher Education (NAHE).
Achievements Targets
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WORLD BANK FINANCING MODEL FOR DRAWDOWN OF FUNDS BY GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
The World Bank Financing Model adopted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as the Project Execution Agency involves a structured process where specific activities or deliverables are carried out by HEC through budgetary allocations under its annual budget. The HEC executes designated activities or produces deliverables using budgetary support included in its annual budget. Once the activities or deliverables are completed, they are assessed and validated by an independent third party to ensure adherence to agreed standards and targets. After successful validation, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) becomes eligible to receive funds from the World Bank. The summary of funds drawn down by GoP for Component 2 related activities are:
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION REFORM UNIT (PERU)
The Postsecondary Education Reform Unit (PERU) was established on January 9, 2020, under the Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project to smoothly perform the C-2 related activities with following roles and responsibilities:
- Policy & Standards Recommendation: Develop policies, standards, institutional reforms, capacity-building activities, and investment plans to improve collaboration between Affiliating Universities (AUs) and Affiliated Colleges (ACs).
- Strengthening Affiliation System: Collaborate with QAA and A&A to enhance the affiliation framework under HEDP Component 2.
- Promoting International Best Practices: Align education in ACs and AUs with global standards in coordination with IT, NAHE, QAA, and Acad HEC.
- Enhancing Socio-economic Relevance: Improve the relevance of ACs to the local socio-economic landscape through partnerships with NAHE and QAA.
- Achieving Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs): Ensure the achievement of Component 2 DLIs as detailed in the HEDP Operations Manual.
- Coordination Council (PERU-CC): Serve as secretariat, organize monthly meetings, review progress, and strategize actions involving stakeholders (O&P, A&A, Acad., QAA, IT, NAHE).
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION REFORM UNIT
1. Development of Policy Frameworks: During the project lifespan, PERU has successfully developed three comprehensive academic and professional frameworks aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance, and standardization of higher education across Pakistan. These frameworks were meticulously developed after thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including Vice Chancellors and faculty of universities, affiliated colleges, Higher Education Departments, industry representatives, the Ministry of Education, and professional development bodies. This collaborative approach ensured that the frameworks are inclusive, contextually relevant, and aligned with national priorities and global best practices. The frameworks are designed to promote institutional reforms, strengthen affiliation systems, and align academic standards with international benchmarks.
2. Establishment of New Administrative units in Universities: PERU has successfully established 46 Quality Enhancement Cells for Affiliated Colleges (QECACs) across Pakistan. These units have been created as part of the ongoing efforts to reduce the quality gap between universities and their affiliated colleges by implementing standardized quality assurance mechanisms. The establishment and operations of these QECACs are governed by a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Affiliating Universities and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This agreement outlines the roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines necessary to ensure effective quality assurance and improvement in affiliated colleges. Additionally, dedicated staff have been appointed within these QECACs to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative. Their continuous efforts are aimed at enhancing academic standards, promoting quality education, and aligning the affiliated colleges with the broader objectives of institutional reforms and quality assurance. This initiative represents a significant step towards bridging the quality gap and ensuring consistency in educational standards across Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
3. Career and Internship Offices: PERU has successfully established Career and Internship Offices across all universities of Pakistan as part of its efforts to enhance employability and career readiness among students. To ensure standardized and effective operations, PERU developed a comprehensive framework for Career and Internship Offices, which governs their establishment, management, and service delivery. These offices are designed to provide a structured mechanism for career guidance, placement services, and internship opportunities to students, thereby bridging the gap between academia and the industry. Through consistent engagement with universities, industry representatives, and other stakeholders, PERU’s initiative aims to ensure that students receive professional career advisement, access to internship opportunities, and placement support, contributing to their overall personal and professional growth.
4. Faculty and Staff Training: PERU has successfully trained over 5,000 teachers and staff members of Affiliated Colleges across Pakistan as part of its commitment to improving the quality and effectiveness of postsecondary education. These training sessions were conducted in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and focused on the following three key areas:
a. Implementation of the Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP): Ensuring that faculty and administrative staff of Affiliated Colleges are well-versed with the standards, guidelines, and objectives outlined under the UEP for effective implementation.
b. Quality Assurance in Affiliated Colleges: Training of QECACs staff to promote quality assurance mechanisms and continuous improvement within Affiliated Colleges.
c. Developing Pedagogical Skills of Faculty: Enhancing teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches to improve the overall learning experience for students in Affiliated Colleges.
5. Learning Skills Assessment Test (LSAT): The Learning Skills Assessment Test (LSAT) is a comprehensive skill assessment tool designed by the Postsecondary Education Reform Unit (PERU) to gauge the skill levels of students enrolled in Affiliated Colleges across Pakistan. The primary objective of LSAT is to assess students’ competencies in various essential learning skills, including Information Management, Communication Skills and Problem-Solving Skills.
In collaboration with a World Bank International Consultant, PERU successfully developed and piloted the LSAT. Following the successful pilot, a nationwide baseline data collection exercise was conducted, involving over 5,000 students from Affiliated Colleges across Pakistan. The assessment provided valuable insights into the current skill levels of students, revealing that the average scores were below satisfactory levels. Recognizing the urgent need to address these deficiencies, PERU formulated an intervention plan aimed at enhancing students' learning skills through targeted faculty training. Under this initiative, more than 300 faculty members from Affiliated Colleges across Pakistan will be trained to help students develop and strengthen these critical skills. The intervention plan emphasizes capacity building and improved pedagogical techniques to bridge the skill gaps identified through the LSAT. This strategic effort reflects PERU’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills to thrive in both academic and professional environments.
