National University revamps syllabus to boost graduate employability
National University , which oversees around 70 percent of the country's higher education, is revising its academic approach to ensure graduates become skilled manpower rather than unemployed burdens on their families, National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah said.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange-of-views meeting with heads of National University-affiliated institutions in Cox's Bazar district, held on Saturday at Cox's Bazar Government College.
Professor Amanullah said most National University students come from middle- and lower-middle-income families, making employability after graduation a critical priority. To this end, the university has revised its traditional syllabus, making information and communication technology (ICT) and English compulsory in honours programmes.
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He said memorandums of understanding have been signed with several organisations, including Aspire to Innovate (A2i), the National Skill Development Authority, and UNICEF, to provide technical and skills-based training. Discussions are also underway with universities and institutions at home and abroad to facilitate academic exchange programmes.
The meeting was chaired by Professor Abul Hasnat Md Mofizul Haque, principal of Cox's Bazar Government College. Among others present were Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the National University, and Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam, Treasurer of the university.
Professor Amanullah said syllabus reforms are being designed to align with modern technology and industry needs so that graduates can enter the job market or pursue entrepreneurship as soon as possible after completing their education.
Referring to Cox's Bazar as the district with the world's longest sea beach, he said professional courses in tourism and hospitality management should be prioritised to harness the area's economic potential. He also announced plans to introduce master's programmes in mathematics and management at Cox's Bazar Government College.
Earlier in the day, Professor Amanullah inaugurated the two-day district-level inter-college sports competition 2026, organised by the National University, at Cox's Bazar Government College by releasing pigeons and balloons.
The inaugural ceremony, also chaired by Professor Abul Hasnat Md Mofizul Haque, was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam; Treasurer Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam; Vice-Principal Professor Md Ohidul Islam; Teachers' Council Secretary Muhammad Ullah; and Ahmed Kabir, convener of the Cox's Bazar District-Level Inter-College Sports Competition 2026.
