In a disconcerting development, GC University, Lahore, one of Pakistan’s esteemed educational institutions, has been found offering several degree programs that lack approval from the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) Accreditation Council.
The unapproved programs include a BS in Artificial Intelligence, which has left students currently in their third semester in a state of uncertainty. The HEC’s refusal to recognize this degree jeopardizes their academic and professional futures. The situation is further compounded by the fact that GCU’s BS in Information Technology also lacks HEC accreditation.
Moreover, despite not receiving approval for its Computer Science program, GCU continues to advertise new admissions for this course. This practice raises serious questions about the university’s adherence to educational standards and regulatory requirements.
The HEC has responded by listing the unaccredited programs offered by GCU on its official website. This move aims to inform prospective students and their families, thereby preventing further enrollment in these unapproved courses.
Students enrolled in these programs are understandably distressed. They face the prospect of investing time and resources into degrees that may not be recognized by employers or other educational institutions. This uncertainty can have long-term implications for their career prospects and educational progression.
Despite the gravity of the situation, GCU’s administration has yet to issue a public statement or provide a clear plan of action to address the concerns raised by students and regulatory authorities. This silence has only added to the anxiety and frustration experienced by those affected.
The issue of unaccredited programs at GCU highlights broader challenges within Pakistan’s higher education system, particularly the need for rigorous oversight and adherence to accreditation standards set by HEC. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in educational institutions to protect the interests of students and maintain the integrity of academic qualifications.
For now, the future remains uncertain for students enrolled in these unaccredited programs, and the academic community awaits a resolution that upholds the standards of education and safeguards student welfare.
