HEAT project results under review, says UGC

Staff Reporter :

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a clarification following recent reports in some print and online outlets that, according to the commission, have presented incomplete or one-sided accounts of the evaluation process for sub-projects under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project.

The UGC stated that such reports had caused confusion among stakeholders in higher education regarding the transparency and accountability of the project’s activities.
In its statement, the commission emphasised that every stage of the HEAT project has been conducted under close supervision and approval of both the UGC and the World Bank. It further noted that final results for all project windows have not yet been published. Applicants whose proposals were not selected in the windows already announced may appeal for reconsideration until 24 August 2025.

The UGC assured that all appeals will be reviewed with the highest level of transparency.
To further clarify the evaluation process, a press conference will be held at the UGC Conference Room on 26 August 2025 at 3:00pm. During the event, a concept paper will be presented and journalists will have the opportunity to ask questions on different aspects of the project.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the UGC expressed hope that the media will extend constructive and positive cooperation in communicating the process to the wider public and academic community.