NU vice-chancellor stresses skill development, curriculum reform

The National University (NU) has taken initiatives to develop students of its affiliated colleges into skilled human resources capable of benefiting from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

As part of this effort, the syllabus has been revised to make English and ICT compulsory courses at the bachelor's (honours) level. The university is also in discussion with reputed universities and international organisations at home and abroad to enhance research through joint partnerships. These steps, NU authorities said, will improve the quality of education and help students stay competitive globally—whether in employment or entrepreneurship.

However, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A S M Amanullah has emphasised that students must remain focused on studies and teachers must set aside divisions and fully commit themselves to teaching.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a freshers' reception for higher secondary, bachelor's and bachelor's (honours) first-year students at T&T College in Motijheel as the keynote speaker.

Professor Amanullah said that since independence the country had failed to make adequate investment in education or adopt a universal, long-term education policy. He added that political involvement of teachers and governing bodies had pushed the education system to the brink of collapse. Various initiatives have now been taken to change this situation, he said, and everyone must take part in these reforms.

The NU vice-chancellor emphasised that Bangladesh must invest in technical skills to benefit from its demographic dividend. He advised T&T College authorities to introduce various professional courses and assured them of necessary support from the National University.

Welcoming the new students, he urged them to acquire technological proficiency alongside academic learning. He said students must uphold the college's reputation through good academic results and maintain discipline as a mark of respect for the martyrs of the July movement.

Speaking as chief guest, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said he would continue supporting T&T College and pledged that the institution would be nationalised if the BNP returned to power.

The programme, presided over by T&T College Governing Body Chairman Barrister Md Belayet Hossain, was also addressed by governing body member Zahidul Haque, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Zahurul Islam, Freshers' Reception Committee Convener Mizanur Rahman Khan, and College Principal Professor Md Nur Hossain.

Earlier, NU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A S M Amanullah inaugurated the newly constructed eight-storey ICT building of T&T College.