KOZHIKODE: The new guardian of the Calicut University feels that only structural reforms would root out the flaws in the functioning of the universities of the state. M Abdul Salam, the new vice-chancellor of the Calicut University, who has 35 years of experience in academic field, dreams of effecting a new system during his tenure.Talking to Express on various issues pertaining to the education sector of the state, the noted agriculture scientist said: “The existing system can be changed only through a structural revamp. The major challenge faced by all the universities in the state is the erosion of quality in teaching. Without a teacher of caliber, the multifaceted capabilities of a student cannot be brought out to the maximum. We need to provide all the students with excellent faculty and a completely education-friendly environment.”During his career as an academic, Abdul Salam has served as a consultant for more than 15 countries. This apart, 15 years of service as an administrator gives him the confidence to lead the university to success. “I do not have any administrative constraints. What I don’t know is how to keep the political bosses happy, since I have never done that before,” said the VC. His service as the head of department at the Kerala Agriculture University also gave him substantial expertise in management of human resources. Asked about the delay on the part of the university in conducting examinations and bringing out results, he said, “To be precise, I can bring it down to bad governance and the excess of politics that prevails in this university. And this is not something that started in the near future. It has been so since the 60’s and it would not change overnight. But I do dream of bringing a change in my tenure.” Abdul Salam moots a holistic change to expose students to an environment where they will be able to appreciate the quality of education. “Technology is something that can bring holistic change in the governance of the university. But again, many of the teachers and people who are not accustomed to modern technologies will be hesitant to adapt to it. However, that change has to happen, and it will happen eventually,” he added. The Vice-Chancellor, who has completed his post-doctoral research at the University of Aberdeen, wants Calicut University to follow the model of international universities. “The specialty of the universities abroad is that they function for Education-Research-Service. They have zero politics in the universities there. We have to create such an atmosphere for the students,” said Abdul Salam, in a stern tone.
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