Herat: Private varsities struggling with dire financial straits

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A number of officials and lecturers of the private universities in western Herat province complain of financial problems despite the start of the registration process for new students.

Kahkashan-i-Sharq University Chancellor Ali Sattari said financial problems and other restrictions had caused them to lose about 50 percent of male students in addition female students.

He added restrictions on girls’ education in the country had led to the collapse of some private universities, which were unable to meet their expenses.

The universities’ problems have been persisting since the outbreak of the coronavirus and other developments in the country, he said.

Sattari lamented what he called the loss of many male students, who had gone abroad. Some of them quit their studies to earn a living for their families.

The two-year closure of classes for female students was having a debilitative impact on universities, the vice-chancellor insisted.

Prof. Abdul Qadir Muslimi, general manager of the Sana Kawsar Institute, said although they were a health-sector institute, they could not escape the negative impact either.

Most of students had joined the medical field, where there were no restrictions and student believed demand for doctors was higher, he explained.

Prof. Khesraw, one of private university teachers, told Pajhwok that some universities could permanently slam their doors on students.

In recent years, he noted, private universities had been struggling with a shortage of students. The situation had created a kind of disinterest among students, he said.

Dr. Mohammad Saeed Attayee, another professor, confirmed universities had been witnessing a falling number of students due to recent issues.

In order to get out of the crisis, he suggested, restrictions on girls should be lifted.

A number of students spoke about the lack of interest and motivation, saying many of them were not interested in pursuing their studies.

Omaidullah, a student of the Economic Faculty, said lack of jobs in government offices and increasing poverty had caused them to drop out.

Atiqullah Rahimi, vice-president of the private universities’ union, after the political change, most of universities had lost 50 percent of students.

Private universities had since been face with severe financial problems due to recent developments, he maintained.

The union VP warned if girls were not allowed to resume their education, the situation of private universities would further worsen.

Meanwhile, Director of Information and Culture Maulana Naeem-ul-Haq Haqqani said the Islamic Emirate was working on a proper plan to reopen schools and universities.

sa/mud