ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is one of the premier institutes of higher learning in the country imparting education to thousands of students through distance learning.
The institution has been facing years of neglect, mismanagement and lack of proper strategy. It is been observed that there is no coherent policy regarding coursework which is affecting the educational career of students. The courses are outdated and have no connection with the current job market, neither do they encourage critical thinking and entrepreneurship.
The university receives fees from thousands of students, holds regular classes and submission of assignments but no attention is paid toward updating course outlines and textbooks. It is also revealed that many of the assignments are readily available in the open market. Students are being graded and evaluated on such assignments that do not provide any critical thinking or learning.
There is no policy on the selection of course textbooks. There is no process of updating textbooks and bringing relevant and modern material. The university instead relies on a single outdated textbook which has been continuing since several years.
The students are been deprived of a modern education that has no relevance with the job market and does not adhere to international standards. The institution is being used for merely receiving extra courses and degrees. The university should develop a coherent strategy to introduce latest textbooks and course work so that students can meet the challenges of the modern world.
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