LAHORE: Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) acting vice chancellor Dr Shagufta Naz on Saturday sought an explanation from eight professors, including five heads of departments, for violating the rules and regulations.

The notice follows a complaint filed by the professors against the acting VC, which, according to her, breaches university statutes.

The notification named the faculty members involved: Economics Department head Dr Muhammad Afzal, Environment Science head Dr Arifa Tahir, Chemistry Department head Dr Bushra Naseem, Zoology Department head Dr Farzana Rashid, Research Center for Art and Design head Dr Rafat Dar, Biotech Department’s Dr Mehwish Aqtar, Students Affairs director Dr Sameera Sajjad and Dr Zahra Kayani.

The notice accuses the professors of violating Clause 32 of the University Service Statutes and Clause 47(3) of the Punjab Government’s Channel of Communication Rules of Business 2011 by writing a letter directly to the university’s chancellor.

Dr Naz sought responses from the professors within three days, and copies of the notices have been sent to the offices of the governor, chief minister and the secretary of Higher Education Department.

Dr Naz has been serving as the acting vice chancellor since July 4, 2023, following the completion of the tenure of Dr Bushra Mirza. Despite more than a year passing, the government has yet to appoint a permanent vice chancellor for the university.

The controversy erupted from a letter that the eight professors sent to Chancellor and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, requesting the removal of Dr Naz from her post.

The letter contains serious allegations against the acting VC, including harassment of the university registrar, causing administrative issues, fostering mistrust among Christian staff on campus, corruption within the intermediate college, and engaging in nepotism and favoritism.In their letter, they demanded the appointment of an interim vice chancellor until the selection of a regular VC. They proposed five candidates for the interim position.

Dr Muhammad Afzal confirmed that eight senior faculty members had signed the letter, which was then forwarded to the Chancellor.

Another signatory, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that they were prepared to provide evidence supporting their allegations if summoned by the Chancellor or the Governor.

However, the faculty members did not attach any proof to their initial letter.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024