Improving global ranking of public universities

Discussions about the international ranking of our country's public universities have been going on for a long time. Every year, these universities fail to meet expectations in global rankings. Among the top 800 universities worldwide, not a single public university from our country is included. This raises serious concerns about the quality of education in our higher education institutions. In contrast, many universities from our neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan, consistently secure spots in these rankings, highlighting the shortcomings in our education system.
University rankings are primarily based on factors such as the quality of education, industry collaboration, international partnerships, and student opportunities. No university can achieve global recognition without a strong research foundation. However, our public universities lack adequate funding and a supportive research environment. While many teachers and students are eager to engage in research, they are often held back due to insufficient financial and institutional support.
Enhancing the quality of education requires well-structured, long-term planning. While changes in the education system are frequently made, they often result from one-sided decisions that do not benefit students. A stable, well-planned, and internationally recognised education policy is essential to fostering a strong research culture.
To encourage students in research, adequate funding and budget allocations are crucial. In developed countries, universities have dedicated research centers, strong industry ties, and opportunities to participate in international projects. We must implement similar initiatives to support research-driven education.
Both public and private universities should create research-friendly environments. Many private universities have limited research opportunities, causing students to focus solely on earning degrees rather than engaging in academic discovery. A university's primary goal should be to contribute to society through the creation of new knowledge and research.
One major reason for the lack of interest in research is the absence of research-based career opportunities. If research were developed as a viable profession, more talented students and faculty members would be motivated to pursue it.
Rather than merely worrying about rankings, we must identify and address our system's shortcomings. By fostering a research-friendly environment, developing an internationally competitive curriculum, encouraging talent, and eliminating political interference in education, we can position our universities to compete on a global scale.

Muhammad Hassan
Student
Department of Development Studies
Islamic University in Kushtia