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Transforming higher education 

Published : Friday, 7 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 597
Musharraf Tansen
Higher education in Bangladesh, encompassing over 160 universities, 53 public and 115 private institutions stands at a critical crossroads despite remarkable expansion over the past decades, systemic challenges. Transforming universities into vibrant hubs of excellence requires a comprehensive strategy, integrating curriculum modernization, faculty development, improved governance, inclusivity, research enhancement, and digitalization. This article presents a detailed roadmap to address these multifaceted challenges and guide the transformation of higher education in Bangladesh.

Modernizing curriculum for future relevance: The curriculum is the backbone of any education system. In Bangladesh, university curricula often lag behind the demands of the job market and the rapid pace of technological advancements. To prepare students for future challenges, curricula must be updated to incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education alongside liberal arts and humanities. Interdisciplinary programs blending fields like data science, environmental studies, and entrepreneurship can foster innovative thinking.

Practical and research-based learning must be emphasized over rote memorization. Courses should integrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration to produce well-rounded graduates.

Enhancing faculty quality and development: A strong higher education system requires highly qualified and motivated educators. In Bangladesh, faculty recruitment often suffers from political influence and a lack of transparency. Competitive salaries, clear career progression paths, and merit-based recruitment are crucial for attracting top talent.

Professional development opportunities should be prioritized. Workshops, training programs, and international exchange initiatives can help faculty stay updated with modern pedagogical methods and research trends.

Strengthening governance and autonomy: Universities in Bangladesh often grapple with bureaucratic inefficiencies and political interference, which undermine their ability to function effectively. To address this, institutions must be granted greater financial and administrative autonomy. This will allow them to set strategic goals and implement policies tailored to their unique needs.

Transparent recruitment and governance processes are essential to build trust and accountability. Engaging diverse stakeholders, including students, alumni, and industry representatives, in decision-making will ensure inclusive and balanced governance.

Expanding access and promoting equity: Higher education must be inclusive and accessible to all segments of society. Financial constraints remain a significant barrier for many students in Bangladesh. Expanding scholarship programs, grants, and low-interest student loans can alleviate this issue. Universities should also establish targeted initiatives to address gender and regional disparities. For example, campuses in underprivileged areas can increase access for students from marginalized communities.

Flexible learning options, such as online and part-time programs, can cater to non-traditional learners, including working professionals and individuals from remote areas. These measures will ensure that higher education becomes a vehicle for social mobility and equity.

Fostering research and innovation: Research is a cornerstone of higher education, yet it remains underfunded and underemphasized in Bangladeshi universities. Increasing allocations for research funding and establishing dedicated research centers can address this gap. Collaborations with international institutions and private sector partnerships can also boost research activities.

Embracing digital transformation: The integration of technology into education is no longer optional. Bangladeshi universities need to embrace digital transformation to remain competitive. Investments in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, smart classrooms, and e-learning platforms, can enhance the quality of education.

Online learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) tailored to the Bangladeshi context can democratize education by making it accessible to a broader audience. Incorporating digital literacy and data analysis into curricula will equip students with the skills needed for a technology-driven world.

Strengthening industry-academia collaboration: Disengagement between academia and industry is a significant contributor to graduate unemployment in Bangladesh. Building strong partnerships between universities and industries can bridge this gap.
Ensuring quality assurance: Maintaining high standards in higher education requires robust quality assurance mechanisms. Independent accreditation bodies should oversee the evaluation of academic programs and institutional performance. Regular internal and external audits, based on clear performance metrics, can drive continuous improvements.

Promoting internationalization: Global engagement can elevate the profile of Bangladeshi universities. Partnerships with international institutions for joint research, student exchanges, and dual-degree programs can open new avenues for learning and collaboration. Faculty exchanges and visiting professors can bring diverse perspectives and enrich academic programs.

Diversifying funding and resource allocation: Relying solely on government funding is unsustainable for higher education institutions. Universities should diversify their revenue streams by engaging the private sector, leveraging alumni networks, and commercializing research outputs. Endowment funds and philanthropic contributions can provide additional financial stability.

Fostering a culture of ethics and critical thinking: It is important to encourage open dialogues coupled with promoting critical thinking will create a vibrant academic environment. Debate clubs, research forums, and interdisciplinary workshops can foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation. Graduates who embody these values will be better equipped to lead and inspire societal change.

Addressing political interference: Political interference in university governance and student activities has long been a challenge in Bangladesh. Depoliticizing administration through transparent processes and merit-based appointments is essential.

Linking higher education with national development: Universities must align their academic and research activities with the nation's development goals. By focusing on issues like sustainable development, poverty reduction, and digital transformation, higher education institutions can contribute directly to national progress.

Reforming higher education in Bangladesh is both an urgent necessity and a formidable challenge. A holistic approach-encompassing curriculum modernization, faculty development, governance reforms, inclusivity, research, digital transformation, and global engagement-is needed to unlock the full potential of the sector.

The writer is a Development Analyst and former Country Representative of Malala Fund


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