The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed making internships compulsory for graduation. Prof. Muhammad Alamgir, UGC Chairman (Additional Charge), emphasized the need for updating the curriculum to include at least one semester of mandatory internships for students. This, he believes, will equip students with skills needed by various sectors including industry, commerce, and research.
Prof. Alamgir, speaking at a UGC workshop on cleanliness, highlighted the importance of internships in preparing students for the future job market, especially in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. He noted that in the next 5-10 years, AI will take over 50% of traditional jobs, making it crucial for students to acquire high-level skills.
He also stressed the need for quality education. Simply completing the education program is not enough; ensuring and verifying quality education is essential to avoid skill deficits among graduates.
Prof. Alamgir raised concerns about the high number of students admitted to higher education without corresponding internship opportunities, which could lead to a decline in the quality of graduates. He also pointed out that many graduates are unemployed due to a mismatch between their skills and market demands.
The workshop was chaired by UGC Secretary Ferdous Zaman and included participation from 55 UGC officials and other resource persons.
