ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered a comprehensive review of information technology education in Pakistani universities after expressing concern over students' poor performance in a nationwide skills competency test.
Chairing a high-level meeting on higher education in the IT sector, the prime minister directed authorities to align IT education and training offered by universities with the requirements of international markets and emerging technologies, according to a Prime Minister's Office news release.
"Young people must be equipped with skills that meet global industry demands," the prime minister said, adding that IT education in most universities was not aligned with contemporary technological requirements.
The meeting was briefed on the results of the National Skills Competency Test recently conducted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to assess the capabilities of IT graduates and evaluate whether university curricula were producing graduates with market-relevant skills.
Key Directives
During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the need for a thorough overhaul of the current IT curriculum. He instructed the HEC to collaborate with industry experts to redesign courses that focus on practical skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
"Our universities must produce graduates who can compete globally," he stated, underscoring the urgency of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.
Immediate Steps
The prime minister also ordered the formation of a task force comprising educationists, IT professionals, and industry leaders to oversee the review process. This task force will submit a comprehensive report within three months, outlining specific recommendations for curriculum revisions and faculty training programs.
Additionally, the HEC will conduct biannual skills competency tests to monitor progress and ensure that universities are meeting the required standards. The results will be used to identify weak areas and implement targeted improvements.
The government aims to enhance the employability of IT graduates and boost Pakistan's position in the global digital economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.
