National University and UNICEF Partner to Boost Youth Employment Skills

The National University (NU) of Bangladesh and UNICEF have committed to strengthening their joint initiatives to equip graduates with work-oriented skills for the global labor market. This consensus was reached during a high-level exchange meeting at the NU main campus in Gazipur on Tuesday.

Chaired by NU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ASM Amanullah and led by Thomas Michael K., Senior Advisor at UNICEF Headquarters, the discussion focused on transforming higher education to meet modern digital demands. Key proposed initiatives include establishing a micro-credential academy with developing practical ICT courses also modernizing the current curriculum and conducting a comprehensive nationwide study on the education system.

"National University produces 70 percent of graduates in the country's formal and informal sectors," Dr. Amanullah stated. He emphasized the necessity of extending the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF to ensure these young graduates become skilled the international-standard human resources. He also noted that introducing work-oriented courses is currently a top institutional and governmental priority.

UNICEF representatives echoed the importance of this collaboration. Thomas Michael K. highlighted that the sheer volume of youth connected to the National University makes this partnership vital not just for Bangladesh, but for South Asia as a whole.

"We are working together to enhance their skills and capabilities," the UNICEF Senior Advisor said and adding that the educational models being developed in Bangladesh could eventually be implemented in other countries.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to expand cooperation with ensuring that future graduates receive inclusive, digital and heavily job-oriented higher education.