Punjab governor directs Aitchison College to frame merit-based selection rules

LAHORE: Punjab governor has instructed Aitchison College to create merit-based rules for selecting college prefects and other student leaders in sports and academics. In a letter to the college principal dated Aug 13, the governor emphasized the need for clear guidelines on eligibility, selection process, tenure, code of conduct, roles, and responsibilities to guarantee fairness, transparency, and consistency in appointments, selections, and promotions.

He also called for equal treatment in appointing housemasters and promoting staff members in academic and administrative roles. Additionally, the governor requested that the policies, once approved by the Board of Governors, be posted on the college's website and social media platforms.

However, the Aitchison College Old Boys’ Association (ACOBA) executive committee strongly rejected the unfounded allegations spreading on social media that accused the college of nepotism in prefect appointments, recommendations for foreign admissions, among others. Parents of H2 students attending the Leadership Camp complained to Principal Dr Syed Turab Hussain about the appointments of college prefects, head boys, and deputy head boys, alleging that their children were placed in leadership roles through nepotism and unfair practices.

They attached two lists of students claiming nepotism were made CPs and recommended for admission to international universities despite having poor grades. Parents also claimed that several students were placed on probation, had their admissions on hold, or even cancelled by international universities due to poor A Level final results during the tenures of previous and current principals.

Parents alleged that many Ivy League universities, including Harvard, had blacklisted Aitchison College due to its "nepotistic policies." The parents demand that steps be taken to remove such students from leadership positions to restore integrity. Though Dawn shared the governor’s letter and parents' allegations with Principal Dr Turab Hussain, he declined to respond directly.

Instead, ACOBA addressed the allegations, including concerns over the principal's appointment, on social media and shared their written response with the governor. The association's executive committee members, including President Usman Haq, General Secretary Omer Qureshi, and other members, defended the college by stating that the principal was appointed through an open process advertised in both local and international media, attracting over 120 applicants, including candidates from abroad.

The interview process was conducted by a search committee comprising majority members from outside the Board of Governors and supported by a European reputable global education consulting firm. Regarding the appointment of CPs and college awards, the ACOBA explained that student leadership, college honors, and college awards were the result of established, merit-based processes.

They also rejected the allegations of nepotism in recommending students for admissions to universities abroad, expressing their resentment over naming children publicly, asserting that their names, futures, and reputations are not public spectacle. The association firmly stands against the public targeting or exposure of students, asserting their commitment to protect and uphold their dignity.