Self-finance scheme: private sector universities in NWFP asked to follow merit

The NWFP Governor, Lieutenant General Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah (Retd), has taken strong exception of the reports that certain public sector universities in the province are not only continuing with the self-finance scheme, but have also published advertisements, inviting applications for admissions.
Expressing grave concern over these reports, the Governor reminded the respective vice-chancellors that since formal decision had already been taken to abandon the scheme, hence there was no justification to continue it.
It may be recalled that the vice-chancellors conference, held recently at Malakand University of Science and Technology under the chairmanship of the Governor, who is also the chancellor of the universities, had decided to wind up the self-finance scheme and make all admissions in all the public sector universities purely on merit.
Similarly, it has also been decided by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to extend financial assistance to the universities to sponsor the recruitment of additional staff as well as equipment to run the evening classes.
Further, four billions rupees are also being provided to every new university for its infrastructure as well as faculty development, whereas three billions rupees have been earmarked for Peshawar University, Gomal University, NWFP University of Agriculture and NWFP University of Engineering and Technology each for this purpose.
Keeping these facts in mind, the Governor directed the vice-chancellors of the respective universities to wind up the self-finance scheme and make admissions purely on merit.