Fata University, the sole public higher education institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts, has been operating out of ten classrooms within a government college for seven years. Faculty members claim that authorities have shown little interest in building a dedicated campus for the institution.
The university administration has set up offices in three unoccupied rooms at the Government Degree College in Darra Adamkhel’s Akhorwal neighborhood. Despite merging with KP, the university continues to use the tribal region’s former name, Fata. The university was established seven years ago to offer local youth higher education, but it still lacks its facilities.
Initially offering four disciplines in December 2016, the university now hosts eight departments. The Vice-Chancellor (VC) reports that some construction projects are almost finished, and the institution should move to its new location in July and August.
Around 800 students are enrolled across eight departments: English, Sociology, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Political Science, Islamiat, Management Sciences, and Computer Science. One faculty member noted that even some elementary schools have more classrooms than the university.
The limited classroom space impacts students and teachers alike, causing scheduling issues and wasted time. In addition, teachers are left feeling embarrassed when students inquire about the construction of university buildings.
Fata University’s Vice Chancellor, Mohammad Jahanzeb Khan, explained that land acquisition and security challenges arose following the university’s establishment. He also cited the lack of water resources in the area as a significant issue. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed construction for about two years, during which funds were not released.
Khan stated that some university buildings should be completed by the end of June, allowing for relocation in July and August. A professor, who requested anonymity, mentioned that enrollment has suffered due to insufficient space and educational quality. For example, no students enrolled in the first year of Bachelor of Science (BS) mathematics.
The cost of construction projects has increased due to delays, according to an instructor. One student expressed frustration that he and others arrived at the university only to find no available space, urging the government to expedite funding for the completion of the university’s dedicated campus to prevent further setbacks in learning.
