Ustamuhammad degree college has 2,200 students; principal seeks BS complex and security plan

USTAMUHAMMAD: Professor Obaidullah Khan Zehri, Principal of Government Boys Degree College Ustamuhammad, has said the institution was established in 1973 and initially offered education only up to intermediate level (FA and FSc). He said it met the needs of the population at that time. However, the population has risen markedly over the past 50 years, while the college’s buildings, classrooms and basic facilities have not been expanded adequately.

He said this while talking to Nek Muhammad, Deputy Director of the Divisional Information Department, Naseerabad. BS Coordinator Muhammad Tahir and other teachers were also present.

2,200 students and 44 teachers

The principal said the BS programme had now formally started at the college, which has led to a marked rise in the number of male and female students. About 2,200 students are currently enrolled, of whom about 1,500 are in intermediate classes (FA and FSc) and more than 600 are in the BS programme. The teaching staff numbers 44, including lecturers, assistant professors and professors.

Professor Obaidullah Zehri said the institution was under severe pressure because of the growing population, limited resources and inadequate infrastructure, and that it had become difficult to bear the burden of more students in the present situation. He praised the government’s steps to promote education, but said immediate and concrete steps were essential to improve the college.

He demanded the construction of a BS complex at the college, the provision of modern teaching equipment, the posting of additional teaching and non-teaching staff, the supply of proper furniture and the introduction of a bus service for female students.

Female students’ education and security concerns

Speaking about issues in the education of female students, he said that in the present circumstances it had become a major challenge to keep girls in BS-level education. Evening classes have been started for female students, but a shortage of teachers and security concerns are obstacles to making the system effective.

He said that even when male and female students are taught together in the morning shift, parents have raised concerns about the safety of girls. He said separate teaching arrangements and effective security measures were therefore urgently needed. He also said that no additional remuneration or stipend had been fixed for teachers who teach the BS programme in the evening shift, and that they were therefore showing little interest. The teachers regard this as unfair, and he feared academic activities could suffer as a result.

He stressed that a comprehensive security plan should be drawn up for the college, that separate and safe teaching facilities should be provided for female students, and that a conducive learning environment should be ensured in which they can continue their studies without fear. He ended by expressing hope that the authorities concerned would take serious and practical steps to resolve these issues so that the youth of the area, especially female students, could get quality and safe educational facilities.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan