Dhaka: National University (NU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah has announced that NU-affiliated colleges are implementing strategic initiatives to develop skilled human resources in the country. As part of these efforts, the curriculum for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses has been updated, with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and English now mandatory subjects.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NU VC shared these updates during the students' orientation program for the 2024-25 academic year at Lalmatia Government Women's College. The event was attended virtually by representatives from over 900 colleges nationwide. University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr. SMA Faiz attended as the chief guest, while Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam and UNICEF's Representative in Bangladesh, Mrs. Rana Flowers, were special guests.
NU Director of the Teachers' Training Department Salma Parveen, Acting Dean of NU's School of Undergraduate Education Dr. Ashek Kabir Chowdhury, and Lalmatia Government Women's College Principal Prof Jahanara Zaman also addressed the audience. The VC highlighted that about 90 percent of the country's higher education students are enrolled with NU. He emphasized the introduction of courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science to prepare students for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
In a bid to enhance educational quality, the VC mentioned planned reforms in the examination system and initiatives to encourage students to return to classrooms. He expressed optimism that 70-80 percent of session jams would be resolved by 2026.
Prof Amanullah also announced financial grants for families of students martyred during the July Uprising and introduced scholarships in their memory. UGC Chairman Prof Dr. SMA Faiz encouraged new students to embody the spirit of the July-August mass uprising by developing into skilled manpower.
Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam stressed the importance of information technology in modern life while advising students to be vigilant against cyberbullying. The program commenced with a one-minute silence in tribute to the martyrs of the War of Independence and the July Revolution, followed by a cultural event.