Shafqat Mahmood, the federal minister for education, professional training, national heritage and culture, on Monday responded to students’ demand for online exams after months of pandemic lockdowns in the country and shutdown of educational institutions.
Shafqat took to Twitter on Monday evening to express his stance on the issue of online exams. He wrote, “Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked the HEC to consult VCs and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year.”
Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked HEC to consult VCs and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year. 1/2
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
In his second tweet, Shafqat asked the universities to assess their technical ability to conduct online exams of students in such big numbers. He said, “Universities should also assess whether they have the technical ability to conduct exams for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that the online exam system is not misused to get easy grades. Preparing good question papers/ assessment is important.”
2/2 Universities should also asses whether they have the technical ability to conduct exam for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that online exam system is not misused to get easy grades. Preparing good question papers/ assessment is imp
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
Shafqat, a lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who was elected member of the National Assembly from Lahore in the 2018 general elections, had said a few days ago that no student would be promoted without exams this year. He announced a phased opening of the educational institutions across the country last month after months of closure due to the pandemic. Universities, colleges and high schools have already opened after the pandemic shutdown and primary schools are likely to open from February 1.
Days before educational institutions return to their routine activities, there are reports circulating in the media that the new strain of coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom, has reached Lahore and at least 24 passengers coming from abroad have tested positive for the new strain of Covid-19 in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s largest Province, Punjab.
It is very disappointing from this GOVT if career of student remain on stake due to COVID-19, Govt must conduct online exams so students remain on the track of study.