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The National University (NU) of Bangladesh, one of the largest higher education institutions in the country, holds the responsibility of educating millions of students across numerous affiliated colleges. It is the third-largest university in the world in terms of enrollment. While the university plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic futures of students, the need for reform is becoming increasingly apparent. Inadequate infrastructure, outdated curriculums, administrative delays, and insufficient quality control have compromised the effectiveness of the education process. To address these issues, a comprehensive reform of the education system at the National University is essential.
We have seen that despite the huge contribution of the students of the National University in the last anti-discrimination student movement, their voices are hardly being taken into consideration. But you cannot think of education reform by ignoring such a large number of student's urge. So National University and its students must also be linked to the mainstream.
Moreover, to ensure quality education, it's important to reform the current systems with relevant changes. Especially for effective learning, NU should change its backdated pattern so far. It has been said that the NU is the highest producer of unemployed graduates. This bad legacy of NU is long established, and for many educational experts, it's still a questionable institution.
However, it's true that it is not possible to change the whole scenario in a day. But taking the necessary steps for the long term would help NU to erase its age-old negative legacy. For this- Govt based high-level research commission should be formed. Some prudent researchers and educationalists could be included there. They'll show the paths. Besides, here are some major things to be reformed.
Modernising the Curriculum
One of the primary challenges faced by the NU is the outdated curriculum that does not adequately prepare students for the demands of the modern job market. To enhance the relevance of education, the curriculum needs to be regularly updated to reflect industry trends, technological advancements, and global best practices. Incorporating more practical and vocational elements, as well as interdisciplinary subjects, will help equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
Stop introducing Hon’s courses everywhere
The National University of Bangladesh has a very ugly tendency to introduce Hon's courses almost here and there without thinking about either it has required infrastructural capacity or relevant necessity. It's not a fair thing at all. Why introducing Hon's courses everywhere is important to you? However, according to the media, it has been said that the previous VC’s loved it because it's related to money. But for now, we hope that the present authority will stop Introducing Hon’s courses everywhere unnecessarily.
Reforming session clutter with effective academic calendar
The session clutter at the National University of Bangladesh has long been a major concern, with delays in academic schedules causing prolonged course durations, disrupting students' academic and career plans. It often takes 6/7 or more years to complete graduation. It's ultimately creates frustration among the students. Although it has decreased in recent times. But an effective academic calendar is essential for addressing this issue. By establishing a fixed, streamlined schedule for exams, results, and course offerings, the university can reduce the session backlog, minimise uncertainty, and ensure timely graduation.
Infrastructural development:
Apart from some big and famous colleges, almost every other college needs more infrastructural capacity to be developed to tackle the huge pressure of students. Even the proportion of students and classrooms is not up to the mark. There are some colleges where there are no or 1-2 classrooms for a department. Which is beyond imagination. So, for all this shift to be successful, infrastructural improvements are essential.
Make students class oriented
The tragic fact is that the students of NU are not class-oriented. There are several reasons behind it. Some students directly engaged in part-time or full-time jobs, some live in remote areas, and so on. Even it has been seen that a teacher is conducting a class with only 5–6 students. These pictures are quite common in NU. So, to make students class-oriented, NU should take strict steps. But the students, too, have to be more active and vibrant in the classroom.
Administrative reforms and decentralization
A significant challenge in the effective functioning of the National University is its centralised administrative structure, which often leads to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies. Decentralising the administrative processes by empowering regional offices or individual colleges with more autonomy could help address local needs more efficiently. Moreover, technology-driven solutions such as automated systems for admissions, exam schedules, and result processing could minimise delays and reduce the stress faced by students and staff alike. Ensuring transparency in administrative procedures is essential for the smooth functioning of such a vast institution.
Strengthening research and innovation
One of the hallmarks of a quality higher education institution is its focus on research and innovation. Unfortunately, the National University of Bangladesh has struggled to promote research initiatives due to a lack of resources, funding, and guidance. In MA course NU run a ‘term paper’ which has full credit but it's merely a copying and submitting course. Majority of students follow this way. Even it has been said that some teachers take money to give number in term paper. So for better and effective learning stop this funny stuff. Give emphasis on true and genuine research.
Introduce viva voce every year
At present NU just take one Viva Voce in Hon's 4th year and one in MA final year. Is it a healthy practice? No. For this, NU should introduce Viva Voce at the end of every academic year. It might help students lessen the Interview panic.
Besides, some more basic reformation NU should focus on are as follows- giving emphasis on digital and e learning, accuracy in exam papers evaluation, make exam papers more in-depth and meaningful, improve the in-course system, increase cultural activities, library facilities, create political influence free campus, education friendly environment, arrange cultural, educational, and sports-related events at a regular basis, organize job fairs- these are important areas to be followed by the NU. Hence, arranging an annual graduation ceremony or convocation will also make students competitive and enthusiastic. So this should also be the matter of concern of NU.
The National University of Bangladesh has the potential to be a transformative force in the country's education system. However, this potential can only be realised through a comprehensive overhaul of its existing structures and practices. By modernising its curriculum, embracing digital learning, enhancing the quality of teaching, decentralising administration, promoting research, and providing financial support, NU can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective education system. Such reforms are essential not only for the personal development of students but also for the long-term progress of the nation. And the time for change is now.
The writer is a poet, columnist, and journalist. He can be reached at [email protected].
Messenger/Disha
