Universities should be dedicated to create and disseminate resources who will move out and contribute to the national economy. There can be differences of opinions regarding the education system of Bangladesh but one thing has to be acknowledged--- students coming out of this education system are making Bangladesh taxiing on the runway. Bangladesh is about to take off towards a new level of economic development.
The initial responsibility of the writer of this article as the head of the administration of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) was to oversee the regular procedures but gradually things have changed specially after the inception of BUP as a regular university. As a university, BUP has multiple affiliated institutes and regulating all of them is quite a challenge task. But the utmost challenge after setting off as a regular university is to have a healthy environment for education.
One of the most important issues is the enrollment of the faculty members. Faculty members play a vital role in giving the university a complete shape. Now-a-days many brilliant people are choosing career as faculty members which is encouraging indeed. Anticipating a bright future ahead, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) is also recruiting educated faculty members. But then the question comes: Can a candidate with higher grades be a good teacher? There are logics in favour of and against this statement. There has to be criteria to screen out good teachers and universities should take ample time in selecting faculty members. The foundation of the students is at the hands of the faculty members. Besides looking for candidates with higer CGPA and foreign degrees, the university authority should assess mock classes of the candidates. Obviously there should be a detail assessment procedure. After all these, candidates should receive the final call. Many universities practice this technique and enjoy strategic edge while others dodge it and eventually compromise in excellence. BUP recruits new faculty members basing on the admirable grades. A series of simulation classes, presentations and assessments are taken so that the university receives the best candidates.
Students are the integral component of any university. They are to be developed and educated in a way so that they become a quality workforce in future job market. This is an issue where all need to focus on. The debate should be on: "Are the administrators doing enough so that students make mark while they pass out?" A self assessment process should be introduced in each and every university irrespective of whether it is public or private. A standardised admission system should be introduced followed by a 'quality uncompromising communicative evaluation' so that the fittest are enrolled each year. A comprehensive effort will make students more cautious and stimulate them in shaping them to be the best.
Let us not ignore the atmosphere that should be offered to the faculty members and students. A neat and green campus can make a difference in performance. If we see within Dhaka city from the hawk eye view we will find only a few universities are with green fields, parks, a lake and a wide ranged campus. The rest are either in commercial spaces or have designed their own space in such a fashion that students can hardly find the sky above their head. BUP has all the necessary atmospheric components that soothes the hearts and minds-- green fields, a fresh lake, plentiful trees, extensive campus. The differences of the rainy season, autumn and winter are perceptible here at BUP.
Stretching upon the point to make an all-inclusive effort to ensure a safe, green and stunning campus, enroll good students without compromising quality and register apt faculty members--- these three issues are to be considered in overcoming the challenges of a university especially if it is a new one. Whenever there is a challenge there is a scope to grow and excel. Conquering the challenges by dodging the adversities is a skill and we all must put our efforts to master that skill so that we can contribute to build a better Bangladesh. The new generation is the future. Hence it's about time we work harder to set the right platform for the future.
Major General Sheikh Mamun Khaled, SUP, PSC is vice chancellor of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)
Conquering the challenges of a new university
Sheikh Mamun Khaled | Published: June 04, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
Sheikh Mamun Khaled, VC?of BUP?
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