In a shocking turn of events, Aitchison College Principal Michael A. Thomas tendered his resignation on Monday, citing interference and nepotism as the root causes of governance issues within the esteemed institution. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the college’s staff, Thomas expressed regret over the circumstances that led to his decision to step down.
“Nepotism and politics have no place in the affairs of this institution,” Thomas emphasized, highlighting what he termed as ‘destructive’ policies that have been imposed on the college by a select group of influential individuals.
The outgoing principal did not mince words, specifically pointing to the partisan attitude of the governor house as a major contributor to the governance challenges faced by Aitchison College. Sources close to the matter revealed that the conflict between the college and the governor’s office escalated over the waiving of fines imposed on the sons of Federal Minister Ahad Cheema.
This is not the first time Thomas has confronted political pressures within the college. In 2018, he had submitted his resignation due to similar concerns regarding admissions, only to withdraw it shortly after discussions with then-Governor Muhammad Sarwar.
The recent development follows weeks of speculation after social media posts claimed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had received ‘over 1,000 emails’ from students and parents regarding governance issues at the college. These reports, although unconfirmed by either Maryam Nawaz or the college, gained traction and even garnered attention in the Indian media.
The controversy surrounding Aitchison College’s governance has deep roots, with the institution being founded in 1886 and holding a prestigious status in Pakistan’s educational landscape. The sitting governor of Punjab plays a significant role in the college’s affairs as the president of the board of governors.
As the search for a new principal begins, students, parents, and alumni eagerly await the resolution of these governance challenges to uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence in education.
