Recent findings from a study conducted by Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and Umar Ahmad Noor have underscored a pressing issue: a steep decline in enrollments in engineering programs across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. According to the study, there has been a staggering 76% drop in participants, plummeting from 16,005 in 2017 to a mere 3,895 in 2024.
This alarming trend is not confined to engineering alone but extends to related fields such as physics, computer science, and architecture. Data sourced from the Engineering Entrance Test (ETEA) at UET Peshawar further elucidates the severity of the issue, showing a reduction in applicants from 15,529 in 2018 to just 3,895 in 2024. Moreover, the percentage of students opting for pre-engineering courses has sharply decreased from 54% in 2015 to a worrying 35% by 2023.
The implications of dwindling engineering enrollments are profound and wide-reaching. They pose a significant threat to the future development of engineering and technology sectors in Pakistan. Vital infrastructural projects, technological advancements, and industrial growth could all be jeopardized without a sufficient pool of skilled engineers.
Several factors contribute to this decline, including inadequate awareness of the benefits of engineering education, insufficient career guidance for students, and deficiencies in educational resources and facilities. To counteract these challenges, urgent interventions are needed from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Planning and Development, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Pakistan Engineering Council.
The study recommends a multifaceted approach to address the issue:
- Awareness Campaigns: Launching comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate students, parents, and communities about the importance and opportunities of pursuing engineering education.
- Quality Enhancement: Improving the quality of engineering programs to ensure they are aligned with industry standards and global advancements.
- Career Counseling: Strengthening career counseling services in schools and colleges to guide students towards engineering and related fields.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in educational infrastructure and resources to enhance the appeal and accessibility of engineering courses.
By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can help reverse the declining trend in engineering enrollments. It is imperative for the government and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to secure a steady supply of skilled engineers who are essential for Pakistan’s sustainable development and technological progress in the coming years.