National University focusing on work-oriented higher education: VC Professor Dr ASM Amanullah

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah has said the university is working to improve the quality of higher education while making it more practical and job-oriented, with a focus on students from middle- and lower-middle-income families.

He said nearly 70 percent of the country’s higher education students are enrolled under the National University, and many face the risk of unemployment after graduation. To address this, the university is prioritising skill development so that graduates can enter the job market or become entrepreneurs without burdening their families.

The Vice-Chancellor said outdated syllabuses have been revised, with ICT and English made mandatory at the honours level. He added that memorandums of understanding have been signed with organisations including a2i, the National Skill Development Authority, and UNICEF to provide training in technical and practical subjects.

He also said discussions are underway with reputed universities and institutions at home and abroad to introduce exchange programmes and modernise academic delivery.

Professor Amanullah made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with heads of National University-affiliated institutions in Cox’s Bazar district. The meeting was held at Cox’s Bazar Government College.

The meeting was chaired by the college principal, Professor Abul Hasnat Md Mofizul Haque, and attended by National University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam and Treasurer Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam, among others.

Highlighting curriculum reform, the Vice-Chancellor said modern technology and the needs of industries are being prioritised so that students can begin their careers soon after completing their studies.

He also stressed the importance of introducing professional courses in tourism and hospitality management in Cox’s Bazar, citing its global tourism potential. He announced plans to introduce master’s programmes in mathematics and management at Cox’s Bazar Government College.

Earlier, Professor Amanullah inaugurated the two-day district-level inter-college sports competition 2026 organised by the National University at Cox’s Bazar Government College by releasing balloons and pigeons.

The inauguration ceremony, chaired by the college principal, was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, Treasurer Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam, Vice-Principal Professor Md Ohidul Islam, Teachers’ Council Secretary Muhammad Ullah, and competition convener Ahmed Kabir.

The information was provided in a press release signed by Md Mostafizur Rahman, Acting Director of the National University’s Public Relations Department.