In an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune, North South University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiqul Islam speaks about the university’s plans and goals for the future.
He also speaks about how the university prepares graduates for the job market through a contemporary curriculum and industry connections.
In the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2023, North South University (NSU) clinched the top position among all private universities in Bangladesh and earned the 219th spot among universities across Asia.
What is North South University's vision for its future?
North South University's vision is to establish itself as a renowned centre of excellence in higher education, both nationally and internationally. The university aspires to draw students, faculty, and staff from diverse global backgrounds while delivering top-tier education to all. North South University is committed to its goal of ranking among the world's top universities and is actively working to transform this vision into reality.
Has North South University made progress in line with its vision, and what are its future plans?
Looking back on its journey towards achieving its vision, North South University acknowledges gradual progress with pride. Many of its students have successfully secured high-ranking positions in multinational corporations, a testament to their dedication and hard work. These students have also contributed significantly to the country's development by supplying qualified human resources to the competitive job market.
However, North South University remains committed to continuous improvement and growth. The university is actively preparing to expand and aims to position itself among the top 100 universities in Asia in the near future. Plans include the construction of an international-standard campus equipped with essential facilities to support students in their pursuit of excellence. The university's unwavering determination is to provide the best education possible and maintain a leadership position in the higher education sector, making its vision a tangible reality.
Can you tell us about North South University's noteworthy achievements so far?
North South University (NSU) has garnered significant acclaim and recognition, owing much of its success to the relentless efforts and commitment of its researchers, faculty, staff, and students.
Further attesting to NSU's excellence, it is the sole Bangladeshi university to secure a place among the top 500 universities worldwide in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Impressively, NSU graduates boast a 100% employment rate shortly after graduation.
The consistent recognition solidifies NSU's status as the premier private university in Bangladesh across local and global rankings.
NSU has also placed a significant emphasis on research in recent years. The university's commitment to research is evident through its leading position in research and publication among both public and private universities. NSU graduates have pursued higher education and research at prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge. They've also assumed prominent roles in multinational corporations such as NASA, Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank. Moreover, many NSU alumni are actively contributing to the country's economic development and job creation as entrepreneurs, heading successful startups like Pathao, Chaldal, and Shuttle.
What sets North South University apart and makes it unique?
North South University (NSU) distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond academics. Recognizing the significance of extracurricular activities in student development, NSU places a strong emphasis on providing students with a diverse range of opportunities.
NSU boasts 20 distinct student clubs that serve as platforms for students to explore and cultivate their talents, with recognition extending both nationally and internationally. These clubs contribute significantly to the holistic growth of NSU students.
The university campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a spacious playground, a modern library, a gymnasium, a sports centre, restrooms, and a cutting-edge genome research centre. These amenities are thoughtfully designed to create a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students.
NSU is committed to making education accessible to all students. The university sets an extraordinary example by offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers based on exceptional academic performance and admission test results. Additionally, NSU provides scholarships based on humanitarian and financial needs, while children of freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war enjoy full free studentship at the university. To further support students financially, NSU offers various on-campus employment opportunities, including roles as teaching assistants, research assistants, student workers, and guest workers.
In matters of health and well-being, NSU maintains its own in-house medical centre, a pathology lab, a modern pharmacy, and a dedicated student counselling centre. These facilities cater to the physical and mental well-being of students, faculty, and staff, ensuring a holistic approach to student support.
In essence, North South University is dedicated to delivering an exceptional education that encompasses not only academic excellence but also a holistic student experience that fosters personal growth and development.
How does North South University prepare its graduates for the job market, and what initiatives are in place to connect them with industry opportunities?
North South University (NSU) is committed to equipping its graduates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the competitive job market. The university places a strong emphasis on maintaining a contemporary academic curriculum that remains in sync with the dynamic global market and industry demands.
Recognizing the significance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, NSU actively encourages collaboration between these two spheres to provide students with real-world experience. The university's commitment to research is integral to this approach. NSU students have the unique opportunity to engage in collaborative research projects with renowned organizations, industries, and government bodies, thereby gaining practical insights and skills.
NSU is resolute in its mission to foster connections between students and the industry. To realize this goal, the university hosts a range of events and activities. Regular seminars feature industry experts who share their knowledge and insights with students, ensuring that they are well-versed in industry trends and practices. Additionally, NSU organizes career fairs and specialized events like pharma fests, facilitating direct interaction between students and potential employers. These initiatives are thoughtfully designed to maximize students' chances of success in their chosen fields and bridge the transition from academia to the professional world.
What makes North South University an attractive choice for prospective students seeking admission?
I believe North South University (NSU) truly stands out as a premier private university in Bangladesh. It's no wonder that it's the first choice for many students looking to pursue higher education here. NSU's unwavering commitment to providing top-quality education is evident in several key areas.
First and foremost, NSU places great emphasis on its faculty members, who are of international standard. These educators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a world-class education.
Moreover, NSU is dedicated to keeping its technological and lab facilities up-to-date. This commitment to modernization ensures that students have access to cutting-edge resources, enhancing their learning experience.
The university also prides itself on its well-structured curriculum, which is continuously updated to stay in sync with the ever-evolving demands of the job market. This means that students are equipped with relevant and timely knowledge that can give them a competitive edge in their careers.
One of NSU's standout features is its adherence to a strict academic calendar, which helps students graduate in a timely manner. This ensures that students can plan their academic journey effectively.
What truly sets NSU apart is its teaching environment, which is free from political influences and prioritizes the delivery of quality education. Faculty members, many of whom hold foreign degrees, create a conducive learning atmosphere where students can thrive.
The curriculum at NSU is not just theoretical; it emphasizes practical knowledge, particularly in the field of science. This hands-on approach to learning prepares students for real-world challenges. Small class sizes and modern equipment in well-equipped classrooms further enhance the learning experience. Additionally, students receive support from teaching assistants, ensuring they have the necessary guidance and assistance to excel in their studies. Moreover, NSU recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities, offering a variety of club activities that allow students to showcase their talents and interests outside of the classroom.
In conclusion, NSU's commitment to excellence in education, coupled with its dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and student-focused approach, makes it an outstanding choice for those seeking a quality education in Bangladesh.
What are the future plans for North South University (NSU)?
North South University (NSU) has a clear vision for its future, with a focus on three pivotal components: recruiting top-tier international faculty, attracting exceptional students, and creating an optimal learning environment. A significant aspect of this plan involves the development of a new campus, recognizing the pivotal role that a beautiful and functional campus plays in achieving these goals.
While NSU has been delivering educational programs since 2009 in its modern and well-equipped campus in the Bashundhara residential area of Dhaka, the university has encountered a challenge. The increasing number of talented students, both domestically and internationally, applying to NSU has pushed the university to its current capacity of 25,000 students.
To address this issue and expedite its journey towards being ranked among the top 100 universities in Asia, NSU is embarking on an ambitious expansion project. This new campus will adhere to international standards, offering a comprehensive array of world-class facilities to cater to the needs of students, faculty, and staff alike.
North South University's future plan centres on enhancing its educational quality, attracting the best talent and creating an optimal learning environment, with a significant focus on expanding and developing a new international standard campus to accommodate its growing student body and foster academic excellence.
