CM Maryam Nawaz Chairs Key Meeting on Higher Education Reforms in Punjab

LAHORE (RNN TV) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting focused on the Higher Education Department, during which she was given a comprehensive briefing on various initiatives to reform and upgrade the sector.

In a major decision, the government has decided to transform three major institutions — Government College University (GCU), Government College for Women University, and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) — into model educational institutions.

International interest in Punjab’s educational sector was also highlighted, with universities from the UK, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and others expressing interest in establishing campuses in the province. Prestigious institutions such as the University of London, Brunel University, University of Gloucestershire, and University of Leicester have formally offered to set up branch campuses in Punjab.

The meeting also approved the introduction of College Management Councils in public sector colleges across Punjab to enhance institutional governance.

To uplift the standard of higher education, Punjab will implement a Key Performance Indicators (KPI) system across universities. Vice chancellors’ performance will now be evaluated against these KPIs to ensure accountability and progress.

CM Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to submit a detailed report on underperforming colleges across the province. In another major step, she approved the formation of an Education Vigilance Squad. This squad will conduct surprise inspections to monitor attendance, cleanliness, teaching standards, and other quality indicators at educational institutions. Immediate action will be taken on the squad’s reports under the supervision of the Education Minister.

A proposal to introduce a Green, Blue, Yellow, and Grey ranking system for universities based on their performance and educational standards was also reviewed.

The meeting included a detailed briefing on the CM Punjab Talent Scholarship and the Laptop Scheme. Over 19,000 students from other provinces have also applied under the Chief Minister’s scholarship program, the briefing revealed.

Participants also reviewed the Strategic Plan/Roadmap 2025–2029 for higher education in Punjab, which prioritizes educational quality and institutional reform. Recommendations were made to introduce governance reforms and grant more institutional autonomy in public sector universities.

The plan also emphasizes improving teaching standards, promoting innovative research, fostering creative learning, and focusing on human resource development. Additionally, the integration of digital transformation and global academic linkages was recognized as a key priority.

In a landmark move, CM Maryam Nawaz gave in-principle approval for hosting Punjab’s first-ever Higher Education Conference. She also directed authorities to present a comprehensive report on non-functional commerce colleges across the province.

Source: Web Desk