Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of National University (NU), has announced a comprehensive reform roadmap aimed at modernizing the country’s largest higher education provider. Speaking at a special Senate session on Saturday, the VC emphasized aligning the university with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and addressing the gaps of the last 33 years.
To transform NU into a "Center of Excellence," the administration has introduced several mandatory changes to the curriculum:
Mandatory Subjects: ICT and English are now compulsory for undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Tech Integration: New training programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science are being launched.
Freelancing Initiative: In the first phase, 50,000 students will receive university-funded freelancing training to boost self-employment.
The Vice-Chancellor detailed several infrastructure and collaborative projects currently underway: Strategic Centers: Establishment of the Virtual Learning Center, Institute of Forensic Science & Cyber Security, and the International Language Institute.
UK Partnership: Launch of the NU-Salford Center of Excellence for Emerging Technologies in collaboration with Salford University, Britain.
Professional Courses: Introduction of Master in Development and Policy Studies (MDPS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs across 31 subjects.
The Senate approved significant administrative shifts to improve institutional quality: Faculty Conversion: Academic groups will be converted into formal Faculties.
Monitoring: Plans include constructing dedicated examination centers in all districts and strengthening district-level college monitoring.
Statute Revision: The Senate ratified revised governing body statutes for affiliated colleges to ensure better management.
Prof. Amanullah noted that National University serves 70% of the country's higher education students across 2,500 colleges. He stated that the current reforms, inspired by the "July uprising," aim to create a just, balanced society and skilled leadership by breaking "hegemonic cultures" and promoting local history and language.
The session, attended by Pro-VCs, the Treasurer, and 54 Senate members, concluded with a call for government cooperation to overcome remaining obstacles in implementing these ambitious goals.
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