The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC) has exposed the sorry state of the education system in a recent report. The commission has expressed grave concerns over the abysmal quality of postgraduate candidates produced by educational institutions in KP.
During screening tests for various government jobs, a staggering majority of candidates with postgraduate degrees struggled to answer even elementary questions related to their respective subjects.
The report highlights the lack of comprehension and superficial understanding among these candidates, rendering them incapable of offering analytical answers. Even candidates with degrees in mathematics and statistics were unable to solve simple questions without the aid of a calculator. The situation was equally alarming in languages and literature, where grammar, syntax, and pronunciation were found to be at a ground level.
Moreover, the commission discovered that many candidates did not read newspapers regularly and were unaware of major events at regional and international levels. The report further revealed a disheartening lack of knowledge among government servants who underwent in-service examinations for fast-track promotions.
The root of this crisis lies in the inadequate academic evaluation system of educational institutions, which fails to focus on personality development and leadership qualities. As a result, candidates lack confidence during interviews and rely on substandard guidebooks rather than original materials.
To address this alarming issue, the PSC urgently calls upon the government to introduce comprehensive reforms in the education system, tailored to modern needs. It emphasizes the need for quality teaching and effective learning in higher education institutions to produce knowledgeable and confident students.
If the education system is not overhauled, finding qualified and capable individuals to lead the state will become increasingly challenging. The role of the Higher Education Commission is pivotal in establishing internationally recognized teaching standards and ensuring accountability among faculty members.
This report serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders, urging them to take immediate action and prioritize the development of a robust and dynamic education system that empowers students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.