KOICA, ERD sign deal for first nursing PhD

KOICA and Bangladesh's ERD have signed an RoD for a project to boost NIANER's education and research capacity.

Valued at USD 5.9 million, the project will run from 2025 to 2029. Building on previous achievements, it will introduce the country's first-ever PhD programme in nursing education, enabling local nurses to pursue advanced research degrees. The project will also strengthen postgraduate research, train faculty to deliver high-quality education, modernise facilities to support learning and research, and foster international collaboration to share best practices.

Jihoon Kim, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh Office, and Mirana Mahrukh, Additional Secretary, Wing Chief, Asia and JEC, ERD, signed the RoD at the ERD in Dhaka. Officials from KOICA, the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (MEFWD), the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), and ERD attended the ceremony.

This second-phase project builds on KOICA's earlier initiative (2012–2019), which established NIANER and Bangladesh's first master's degree programme in nursing. That foundation enabled nationwide expansion, now reaching 23 institutions with a total annual enrolment capacity of 1,900 students.

Speaking at the signing, Jihoon Kim said: "By launching the first PhD programme in nursing, this project will create the leadership needed to transform healthcare and education in Bangladesh. Today's agreement commits us to empower professionals and shape a healthier future."

Mirana Mahrukh added: "This milestone will significantly enhance academic and research excellence while improving healthcare services for our people. We thank KOICA and the Government of Korea for their continued partnership."

Since 1991, KOICA has partnered with Bangladesh in various areas, including health, education, ICT, rural development, and transportation. Through this ongoing collaboration, the project will enable Bangladesh to train more highly skilled nurses and expand research capacity, enhancing the country's ability to serve as a regional hub for advanced nursing education and research in South Asia.