THE recent hikes in fee by the University of Karachi has caused anxiety among its students and their parents. As a student myself, I have witnessed the financial burden that thisincrease has placed on students and their families.
Education is a fundamental right, and it should be accessible to all individuals regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Severalstudent organisations have been protesting against the university administration, which has increased fee by 30 per cent for all fresh admissions, raising concerns among students from poor families.
With the rising cost of tuition, many students are finding it increasingly difficult to pursue their educational aspirations. I personally know students who have left the university every time there is a fee hike imposed by the institution. This has been resulting in anincrease inilliteracy ratio.
According to a recent survey, there are four million students out of schools, and those who complete their intermediate education are unable to opt for higher education due to the high costs of education at the higher level. These fee hikes decrease the opportunities for deserving students who can contribute to the development of the country.
The university administration as well as policymakers should reconsider the latest fee hike, and find alternative solutions to fund the education sector.
