The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FCIT) at Punjab University – once hailed as one of Pakistan’s premier institutions for Information Technology – is facing significant challenges due to alleged mismanagement by its administration.
Students have expressed their frustration over the recent actions of the current Dean, Dr Shahzad Sarwar, and other department heads, calling for urgent reforms to address the deteriorating quality of education.
Originally established as the Punjab University College of Information Technology (PUCIT), the faculty transitioned to its current status in January 2021, forming four distinct departments: Computer Science (CS), Software Engineering (SE), Information Technology (IT), and Data Science (DS).
The Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FCIT) is Dr Shahzad Sarwar, who also serves as the Chairman of the Department of Computer Science. Professor Dr Muhammad Murtaza Yusuf is the Chairman of the Software Engineering Department, while Professor Dr Waqar Al Hasan holds the position of Chairman for the Information Technology Department.
However, recent decisions by the administration have sparked widespread unrest among the student body.
A notable grievance arose when the administration announced a drastic increase in re-sit fees for failed or missed papers, raising from Rs3900 to a hike of over threefold. This sudden financial burden has left many students, already struggling to pay their tuition fees, feeling overwhelmed.
In response to this alarming situation, the student organization Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba staged a peaceful protest outside the Dean’s office, which escalated into a sit-in, after he turned a deaf ear to their demands.
Their demands caught the attention of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah who promptly summoned Dr Sarwar to address the concerns raised by the students.
Following the VC’s intervention, the increase in fees was put on hold, much to the relief of the students.
The student body expressed gratitude towards the Vice-Chancellor for his swift action, while also voicing broader concerns regarding the leadership of the FCIT.
They alleged that Dr Sarwar and other department heads, including Professor Dr Muhammad Murtaza Yusuf and Professor Dr Waqar Al Hasan, have inflicted “irreparable damage” to the institution through their “irresponsible behavior.”
Students stressed that instead of managing departmental expenses, the current administration seems to be shifting the financial burden onto them.
“We will not accept excessive fees as a solution to their mismanagement,” one student stated, echoing the sentiments of many.
Students have urged the university administration to take immediate action to secure their future and restore FCIT to its former glory.