Quality and Access to Higher Education

Higher Education Commission is trying hard to streamline the universities to adopt quality assurance mechanism to improve the quality of their teaching and research. An instrumental approach has been suggested by HEC to enhance the quality of higher education which begins by establishing a mission, followed by the functions that have to be carried out to achieve the mission and the objectives. A quality management system is then recommended to ensure the quality of the programs. 

Lastly, an internal system is proposed to assess the effectiveness of the management system. Best practice also requires that the implementation of the quality assurance programs preceded by a strong commitment on the part of the university leaders and managers to quality advancement (Tovey, 1992). An important reason is that it will improve the quality and relevance of their graduates and research programs and thus enable universities to play a more effective role in the economy of the country. 

Higher Education Commission has established quality assurance agency to safeguard public interest by enforcing sound standards in higher education and encouraging continuous improvement by reviewing and developing higher education benchmarks and quality criteria. Rahman (2007) says that HEC lays a particular focus on the institution of quality enhancement, assurance, accreditation, mechanisms and universities across the country sustainable improvement in the delivery of higher education requires the development of a mechanism for continuous self-monitoring and improvement of the system. The quality assurance initiatives improve the quality and relevance of the graduates and research programs, and thus enable universities to play a more effective role in the economy. The basis for this belief is that education contributes to economic growth in a number of ways. First, it improves generally the quality of labour by imparting skills and work knowledge. Second, it increases labour mobility and therefore promotes the division of labour. 

Third, it improves management skills which lead to more efficient location of resources. Fourth, it removes many of the social and institutional barriers to economic growth. Finally, it encourages entrepreneurship by promoting individual responsibility, organizational ability, moderate riskdigging, and long-term planning. The generation of new knowledge and efficient dissemination of existing knowledge is a key responsibility of institutions of higher learning (Siddique, 2007). Over 30% of the growth in per capital income may be attributed to technological innovation. According to the University of President’s Council, (2001) most of the technological advances in the second half of the 20 century including new bio-technological industries, telecommunications, information technological, and advanced materials (such as semiconductors, fibre optics, etc.) have their origins in the university research (Saeed, Rafi, Ahmed, & Rauf, 2009). Access to higher education is another chapter and state is responsible to establish universities particularly in rural areas where access to higher education is very limited. Poverty and unemployment are burning issues of Pakistan due to lack of economic resources communities cannot send their children to cities to get access to higher education. Government need to plan strategically to address these issues on priority basis.

Measures to Improve Access to Quality Education 

The Pakistani government has made ambitious plans to achieve a threefold increase in terms of number of institutions and enrolments by the end of the current five-year plan. While this does seem achievable, there are issues which must be retrospectively and holistically measured and diligently handled so that the results may fall within the projected framework. In addition the government must put in place an effective monitoring system to ensure fool proof results in its endeavor to make quality higher education within the reach of all and more so to the underrepresented communities. 

1. A Realistic Financial Plan 
2. Financing education is critical to improving access to quality education. A realistic financial plan is essential for ensuring that resources are available to provide students with the education they need to succeed. Financial planning should involve identifying the resources required for education and allocating these resources to ensure that all students have access to quality education. In developing a financial plan, it is important to prioritize education, particularly in areas where access to quality education is limited. This may involve increasing funding for education in low-income areas, providing scholarships or grants to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and investing in educational infrastructure. A realistic financial plan should also involve identifying potential sources of funding, including government funding, private investment, and philanthropic support. 
3. Infrastructure Development 

While urban infrastructure has definitely seen progress, the rural sector still lies in dismal neglect over a larger proportion. The government must ensure proper physical access to these communities and emphasize on construction of higher education institutions in closer proximity to villages. Further ample focus must be given to development of technology to enable education through Information Technology. 

In Pakistan, most of the rural areas are deprived of the facility of higher education institutions that is why the communities are facing difficulty to access to higher education. Likewise, in Pakistan literacy rate is already questionable due to lack of access to education institutions and poverty therefore government need to devise a practicable plan to address this issue. 

1. Provision of Adequate Trained and Qualified Faculty 

The provision of adequately trained and qualified faculty is essential for improving access to quality education. Qualified faculty members can provide students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise they need to succeed in their chosen field of study. They can also help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for future success. To ensure the availability of qualified faculty members, institutions can take several measures. For instance, they can offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide professional development opportunities, and encourage research. 

Competitive salaries and benefits are crucial for attracting and retaining highly qualified and skilled faculty members. Professional development opportunities, such as workshops, training programs, and conferences, can help faculty members improve their teaching skills, stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and technology, and contribute to their professional growth. Encouraging research is also vital as it can help faculty members stay abreast of new knowledge and innovation in their fields, thereby enriching their teaching and improving the quality of education.

1. Elimination of Ethnic Inequalities 

Elimination of ethnic inequalities is crucial in ensuring equitable access to quality education. Ethnic inequalities can manifest in various forms, such as disparities in enrollment rates, academic achievement, and access to educational resources. Such disparities can limit the educational opportunities available to disadvantaged groups, leading to further marginalization and perpetuating social inequalities. Eliminating ethnic inequalities requires a multi-faceted approach, which involves addressing the root causes of these disparities. For example, policies that provide equal access to educational resources such as textbooks, computers, and classrooms can help to bridge the achievement gap. In addition, targeted interventions such as mentoring, tutoring, and academic support programs can help to level the playing field for students from disadvantaged ethnic groups.

1. Use of Internet and Communication Technology 

The use of internet and communication technology is critical for improving access to quality education. With the proliferation of digital technologies, online learning has become increasingly popular, providing students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own terms. In addition, technology has created new opportunities for collaboration, communication, and engagement, which can enhance the learning experience and promote active participation. The use of internet and communication technology can help to overcome barriers to education, such as geographical limitations and lack of access to resources. Online learning platforms provide access to a wealth of educational materials and resources, regardless of the learner's location. 

Furthermore, technology can facilitate communication and collaboration between students and faculty members, enabling them to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and work together on projects. Technology can provide new opportunities for personalized learning, allowing learners to tailor their educational experiences to their individual needs and preferences. With the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence, educational institutions can analyze student performance data and provide personalized feedback and support, thereby improving student outcomes.

1. Better Funding for Institutions 

Better funding for institutions is a critical component of improving access to quality education. Funding is essential for providing resources such as qualified faculty, updated curriculum, educational technology, and learning materials, which are necessary for delivering a high-quality education. Insufficient funding can lead to inadequate infrastructure, understaffed institutions, and inadequate resources, which can negatively impact the quality of education provided. Increased funding can help institutions to improve their teaching standards, enhance research and innovation, and contribute to the overall quality of the education system. Institutions can use the additional funding to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty members, invest in new technologies and infrastructure, and provide scholarships and other financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Better funding can help institutions to expand their offerings and reach, thereby improving access to education for students in underserved communities. For instance, institutions can use additional funds to establish satellite campuses, offer distance learning opportunities, and provide outreach programs to students in remote areas.

1. Improved Financial Schemes Reach 

This can be a shot in the arm to the weaker sections as the promise of higher education becomes closer. Traditionally backward sections have shirked away from higher education owing to their inability to bear the costs of higher education. But with genuine and easily available government financial aid, education becomes much more accessible across communities. Though there is ample funding on the government agenda, the complexities involved in obtaining finances makes them inaccessible to lower groups. 

1. Overlapping of Authority 

Regulatory bodies function across parameters often overlapping authority, affecting the delivery of quality education. Since education is a subject of both the central and the state governments, there are frequent conflicts in several areas of education. The government must resolve such complexities and ensure proper delegation of authority for smoother functioning. 

v Industry Oriented Curriculum

The higher education system must provide for updating of curriculum over regular frequencies to help learning match industry requirement. This way employability skill would be better and so do the prospects. In Pakistan majority of institutions are implementing outdated curriculum which is not matching with the current industries requirement. Due to this reason, majorly graduates are not getting jobs after graduation. Second major issue in Pakistan is majority of education institutions are not planning for internship with close collaboration of industries in their degree programs. Internship is very important for graduates to acquired practical knowledge and experience by implementing their learn theories in a real context.