Vice-Chancellors’ (VCs) nepotism in recruiting teachers and staffs at different public universities is unacceptable, to say the least. Vice-Chancellor (VC) is the person next in rank below the Chancellor who acts as the Chancellor’s deputy or substitute. A VC’s only responsibility is to ensure quality education and create congenial atmosphere on campuses alongside discharging administrative duties properly and transparently. But it is very shameful to see some public university VCs have been accused of gross nepotism in appointing their relatives to different positions at their respective universities.
University Grant Commission (UGC) in its recent investigation says Sylhet Medical University VC has appointed 109 persons illegally. Besides, Khulna Agricultural University VC has also appointed his family members like sons, daughters, nephews, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law’s son to different positions at the institution. However, the ministry of education has suspended the recruitment process.
Vice-chancellors’ (VCs) nepotism in recruiting
teachers and staffs at different public universities
is unacceptable, to say the least
Apart from these, VC of Pabna University of Science and Technology, whose tenure will expire on March 6, was scheduled to approve the appointment of 102 persons to different positions including teachers, officials and staffs at university regent board meeting on Thursday.
It is not only the allegations against VCs of Sylhet Medical University, Khulna Agricultural University and Pabna University of Science and Technology, there are allegations of irregularities in the recruitment at many other public universities including new ones. Over dozens of former and incumbent VCs of public universities are facing various types of corruption charges.
Pro-VCs, deans and heads of departments are also engaged in recruiting their near and dear ones or followers. Apart from these, local political leaders and influential teachers mount pressure on university authorities to appoint their applicants.
It may be mentioned that on his last day in office on May 6 last year, former Rajshahi University VC Prof Abdus Sobhan recruited at least 137 staffers, including nine teachers. But in the face massive protest and widespread criticism, the education ministry termed the recruitment illegal on the same day and initiated an investigation.
The head of the state or the government appoint a VC who is capable to work tirelessly to enrich the university with quality education, research and other curricula. They should devote themselves to the welfare of the students and institution as they are highly qualified with higher virtues, knowledge, and wisdom. But in reality it is not so in our country as a VC is mostly selected from a pro-government teacher’s panel. Therefore, the honourable president and the prime minister will have to think, rethink, check and cross check before appointing someone as VC of a public university. Otherwise, the image of the country’s prestigious universities will be tarnished.
