BM Report:
In a bid to combat unemployment and bolster workforce skills, universities in Bangladesh will soon start offering short and professional courses alongside regular academic programs, announced Sajjad Hossain, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
On Monday, at a UGC workshop, Dr. Hossain, who also leads the commission’s Innovation Committee, highlighted the rising unemployment issue and proposed this solution to equip students with practical skills beyond traditional degrees. He suggested making at least one such course mandatory for all students.
This initiative aligns with the e-Government and Innovation Strategy 2023-2024, aiming to modernize public universities and their information portals. Mr. Hossain emphasized the importance of young people as the nation’s asset and stressed the need for targeted training and education to transform them into skilled professionals.
Furthermore, the UGC is establishing an industry-academia platform to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry demands. This will help identify specific skill requirements in the job market and guide universities in tailoring their short courses accordingly.
Prof. Hossain also underscored the significance of modern digital presence for universities in today’s globalized world. He urged updating university websites with relevant information and showcasing student achievements to attract international recognition.
Additionally, he suggested 24/7 access to laboratories, libraries, and other university services to maximize student utilization and boost learning opportunities.
The workshop witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including the UGC Secretary, Ferdous Zaman, and representatives from all 46 public universities’ innovation committees. The event concluded with a presentation by the UGC’s ICT department and discussions on implementing the proposed initiatives.
This move by the UGC marks a significant shift towards a more practical and career-oriented education system in Bangladesh, potentially equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the modern job market and contributing to reducing unemployment rates.
