National University (NU) stands out among Bangladesh’s higher education institutions, accounting for 70% of the country’s expansion in this sector. However, the university has recently faced a wave of criticism and challenges that have prompted calls for reform. The newly appointed vice-chancellor, Dr. ASM Amanullah, aims to elevate the institution’s status by expressing a desire to align NU more closely with Dhaka University.
He emphasized a commitment to enhancing the quality of education and addressing unemployment issues among graduates. Dr. Amanullah’s vision includes transforming NU into a globally recognized educational institution. Currently, the university oversees 2,257 affiliated colleges, serving approximately 3.5 million students and employing thousands of faculty members. By introducing advanced academic programs, including Honors, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD degrees across various disciplines, Dr. Amanullah believes that NU can initiate a revolutionary change in college education.
One of the key proposals includes mandating faculty members to publish their research in academic journals. This initiative could lead to thousands of published papers, and if a portion appears in high-impact journals such as Elsevier and Springer, it could significantly enhance NU’s reputation in the international academic community.
However, several obstacles hinder this vision. Critics point out that many academic responsibilities, typically handled by NU’s faculty, are instead managed by external educators. This reliance has led to concerns over accountability and consistency in curriculum design and assessment practices. Students have developed a tendency to rely on previous years’ exam questions, often finding that a significant portion of current exams mirrors those past questions. This has fostered a culture of dependency on commercially available study guides, leading to decreased class attendance and participation in academic activities.
The perception that graduates from NU are becoming a burden to both their families and the nation is growing, although some institutions, such as Rajshahi Government College, continue to conduct regular classes and engage students effectively. Additionally, some faculty members responsible for exam questions have been criticized for their poor command of English, resulting in poorly framed questions that fail to challenge students appropriately. Such practices have inadvertently bolstered the market for questionable study guides, further complicating the academic landscape.
To address these issues, education analysts recommend revising and updating the university’s syllabus every two to three years. Regular updates would prevent guide companies from exploiting outdated material and encourage students to engage with core textbooks and classroom instruction. Furthermore, government support is essential for developing two key infrastructures within affiliated colleges: facilities for regular class activities and exam administration.
The necessity for improved exam infrastructure is underscored by the various assessments conducted across NU-affiliated colleges, which include Honors, Masters, and professional degrees. Some colleges also serve as SSC and HSC examination centers, leading to overcrowded classrooms and disrupting regular educational activities. This crisis in classroom availability has created an environment where students become overly reliant on examinations rather than their educational experience.
In light of these challenges, forming a Board of Studies composed of university faculty could significantly enhance exam quality. This board could oversee the examination process, including question formulation and answer evaluation, ensuring greater academic integrity. There are encouraging signs, as Dr. Amanullah has expressed a commitment to establishing this board, along with other governance structures that could support academic excellence.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the administration is also focused on expanding international engagement. An international desk has been created to develop students into global citizens, with initiatives underway to enhance academic offerings, such as the introduction of an honors program, postgraduate diplomas in twelve subjects, and the establishment of state-of-the-art ICT labs.
While it remains unclear how many additional colleges will affiliate with NU, the university’s leadership acknowledges the critical role it must play in improving educational quality within the existing framework. The focus will be on maintaining on-campus academic programs—Honors, Masters, MPhil, and PhD degrees—and effectively disseminating these standards throughout affiliated colleges.
Drawing a parallel with successful agricultural research institutions, Dr. Amanullah suggests that the university could achieve similar success by innovating teaching methodologies and curricular frameworks. By fostering a culture of research and excellence, NU could emerge as a leader in higher education, positively impacting the broader educational landscape in Bangladesh.
In summary, while the National University grapples with significant challenges, the leadership under Dr. Amanullah is committed to implementing reforms that could elevate the institution to new heights. With a focus on quality education, faculty accountability, and student engagement, NU aims to become synonymous with excellence in higher education, reinforcing its critical role in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s academic landscape. As the nation looks to enhance its educational framework, the progress at the National University will be closely monitored, with the potential for transformative change on the horizon.
