The Ministry of Education is contemplating a significant shift in higher education, considering bringing government colleges under the purview of public universities across the nation. This move aims to address the persisting challenges faced by colleges affiliated with the National University.
Experts highlight concerns regarding the current state of education in colleges under the National University, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to any potential restructuring. The past integration of Dhaka University with seven major government colleges initially posed challenges, yet gradual improvements have been noted over time.
With 169 accredited public and private universities nationwide, accommodating over 31.7 lakh students, the National University oversees 2,257 colleges, with 555 being government-affiliated. However, questions persist regarding the quality of education and the university's capacity to effectively manage the growing number of colleges.
The National University, established in 1992 to alleviate pressure on public universities, has faced criticism for prioritizing examinations over quality teaching. Moreover, the proliferation of graduation programs without adequate infrastructure has raised concerns about students' skill acquisition.
In response to these challenges, discussions have arisen about transferring government colleges to the supervision of local public universities, following the successful affiliation of Dhaka University with major government colleges in 2017. While initial difficulties were encountered, efforts to improve examination and class situations have shown progress.
Education stakeholders stress the importance of addressing underlying issues to ensure the effectiveness of any restructuring efforts, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation to mitigate potential challenges.
