The primary goal of a university degree is to cultivate students' practical knowledge, skills, and creative thinking. However, higher education in our country is increasingly viewed as outdated, with many institutions merely awarding degrees without providing quality education. If educational institutions fail to deliver meaningful learning experiences, degrees become essentially worthless.
To address this, institutions must design relevant, subject-oriented courses with appropriate credits to ensure students acquire necessary knowledge. Unfortunately, many curricula include irrelevant subjects that detract from core learning. For instance, making courses like the History of Bangladesh mandatory for BBA students can divert attention from essential business skills.
In today's job market, practical education is of paramount importance. Students who possess only theoretical knowledge struggle to succeed professionally, particularly those at national universities and affiliated colleges, where practical experiences like internships and research opportunities are often absent. These experiences are vital for preparing students to tackle real-world challenges.
Another significant issue is the over-reliance on memorisation in our education system. Students are encouraged to study solely to pass exams rather than to gain practical skills. This reliance on rote learning means they graduate with degrees but lack the competencies needed for the workforce. Consequently, a degree is now often seen merely as a ticket to apply for government jobs, raising concerns about the overall value of education.
Many students receive little guidance in their academic pursuits, missing out on opportunities for seminars, workshops, and advanced studies. The true purpose of education should be to foster research interest and prepare students for global competition. Yet, many educators lack proper training and research involvement, negatively impacting student outcomes. If this trend continues, we may see a rise in student dissatisfaction and dropout rates.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission must reform curricula to balance theory and practical education. Internships and research projects should be mandatory to equip students with essential skills. Additionally, teacher training must improve to ensure educators are well-versed in modern teaching methods.
Institutions should inspire students to pursue higher education and research, rather than focusing solely on degree quantity. If educational practices do not improve, we risk compromising students' futures. Quality education should be the priority, enabling students to succeed and thrive in their fields.
Md Tofayel Ahmed
MBA Student of Dhaka College
Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
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