Corruption in Higher Education and Corruption by University Professors
The elimination of corruption in higher education is essential for improving transparency and governance in society. Merit, accountability, and self-discipline are the foundations of quality education and sustainable national development. Corruption by professors and educational administrators weakens institutions, destroys merit, and becomes a major obstacle to the country’s progress. These views were shared by Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal Randhawa, while highlighting various aspects of corruption in higher education.
He expressed these views while addressing participants of the Anti-Corruption Seminar and Awareness Walk organized jointly by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Character Building Society at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
Corruption in Higher Education Begins When Merit Is Ignored
Addressing the seminar at Iqbal Auditorium as the chief guest, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Randhawa said that the days have gone when people lacked the courage to ask questions and leaders were unwilling to listen. Pakistan has changed, and every individual is now accountable to the public for his responsibilities.
He said that corruption in higher education starts the day universities admit students beyond merit, pass them illegally, and award undeserved grades. Such practices eventually open the doors of higher education and scholarships to undeserving candidates, ultimately weakening governance in educational institutions.
Corruption by Professors Can Be Eliminated Through Merit and Transparency
Dr. Randhawa said that higher education institutions should cooperate with university administrations in promoting transparency and accountability. He expressed his determination that he would never compromise on the sanctity of his profession or bow to political influence after becoming Vice Chancellor. He warned that unlimited powers without accountability hollow the roots of institutions and reaffirmed that he would never compromise on merit while ensuring transparency.
He further emphasized that justice must always be ensured. According to him, anyone holding authority should continuously evaluate his decisions, and if any negligence occurs in the use of such powers, it should be corrected the very next day.
NAB Stresses Self-Accountability to End Corruption in Higher Education
Director National Accountability Bureau, Muhammad Hasnain Shah, said that NAB has so far deposited Rs. 300 billion back into the national treasury and achieved a 76 percent conviction rate in accountability cases.
He stressed that everyone should practice self-accountability every day so that any abuse of authority or professional negligence can be identified and corrected immediately. He said this culture of accountability is essential for eliminating corruption in higher education and other sectors.
NAB’s Awareness Campaign Against Corruption in Higher Education
Muhammad Hasnain Shah said that the National Accountability Bureau organizes special seminars on International Anti-Corruption Day, where new cases continue to emerge over time. On the directions of the Chairman NAB, awareness seminars are regularly conducted in schools, colleges, and universities to educate young people about corruption and prepare them to become ambassadors for a corruption-free society.
He added that alongside eliminating corruption at the state level, NAB also continues the process of self-accountability within its own organization, while progress in ongoing accountability cases is regularly shared with the public through the media. He further stated that NAB Lahore had initiated this awareness campaign on December 6 during the previous government, and both teachers and students of the Character Building Society continue to participate in these activities.
Accountability Process Explained
NAB Director Hassan Ali Sukhera clarified that accountability courts function under the Chief Justice of the respective Provincial High Court and are not part of NAB. He explained that, under NAB rules, plea bargains require court approval, and the original amount along with applicable interest is recovered from the accused.
He further stated that NAB initiates proceedings based on complaints, court orders, or credible information. Following a step-by-step inquiry and the collection of evidence, formal investigations are launched against the accused.
The seminar was also addressed by Dr. Tahir Siddiqui and Registrar Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain, who emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and merit to eliminate corruption in higher education and strengthen educational institutions.
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