Can new student unions and teacher recruitment transform education quality?

Education is a complex, multifaceted challenge—there are no quick fixes. Improving it requires a holistic approach: identifying problems, analysing them carefully, and planning solutions. Above all, political leaders must show a genuine commitment to enhancing university education through both short-term and long-term strategies. Education must never be used for political gain.

Universities thrive not only in classrooms but also through extracurricular activities. Cultural, sports, and creative programs help students build a vibrant learning environment. Student unions play a central role in organising these activities. This practice once flourished in our country but gradually declined after the 1990s. Although the Dhaka University Central Student Union (DUCSU) election was held in 2019 following student demands and a High Court directive, it reflected the broader flaws in the country's electoral culture. Six years later, DUCSU elections have been held again, but many institutions still lack student union elections, even though they are essential. Student unions have historically been breeding grounds for leadership and a strong academic culture—yet this potential has been lost over time. Both education administrators and political leaders share responsibility for this gap.

A positive campus environment cannot emerge as long as political parties dominate student life. Student unions will not function effectively without independence. At the same time, students need a clear code of conduct, and teachers must adhere to professional standards to create a disciplined and productive learning environment.

Reviving student unions alone will not solve all problems. If political and government leadership demonstrate a clear vision for resolving the higher education crisis, student unions can play a meaningful supporting role. Currently, public universities struggle with weak administration, including housing shortages, limited research funding, and other systemic issues. When administrations collaborate with students, unions can contribute significantly to solutions.

The situation in primary education also highlights the need for more than routine measures. Recruiting ten thousand teachers, for example, will not substantially improve outcomes because teacher turnover is high each year. What is truly needed is a larger pool of well-trained, skilled teachers, supported by proper working conditions. Without this, recruitment risks becoming a procedural exercise with little lasting impact.

Meaningful change in education demands long-term vision, political commitment, and collaboration between students, teachers, and administrators. Quick fixes or political manoeuvres alone will not be enough.

Dr Monzoor Ahmed is an Emeritus Professor and educationist at BRAC University.