The key to reaching the highest peaks of knowledge, sustaining inclusive economic solvency, strengthening nation-building initiatives, and empowering national prosperity altogether is the availability of qualitatively meaningful higher education. Such a key can only be crafted when promising endeavours are pursued accordingly.
Establishing and running universities which produce human resources who are both “humane” and “resourceful” thus would serve the purpose.
In Bangladesh, this pursuit had been initiated more than a hundred years ago with the establishment of the historic University of Dhaka. Now, there are more than 50 public universities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, privatized efforts have also stepped into this noble cause. Now they are over 100 in number.
Successful private universities of Bangladesh are skyrocketing their prominence as higher educators, owing much to their unique strengths, characteristics and practices. There are a number of reasons for this.
Students are well-taught: Instead of deliberately leaving the learners clueless and considering this trait a commendable quality, faculties at private universities are there for their students. They make certain that the study contents are explained to the students in the most convenient and comprehensive way possible. Moreover, faculties have counselling hours spared for their students so that students can approach their faculties with queries and confusions to clear any and every doubt they have.
On-campus politics not entertained: No good private university entertains or allows political practices on campuses. Although some say that practicing politics at the university level instills nation-building motivation among the youngsters, recent reality says otherwise. Much more than promoting patriotism, student politics largely creates room for attaining and exercising malice. Examples are needless to explain this scenario. Look around a bit and you’ll see. Rather more effectively, private universities address their students’ needs of developing leadership and organizational attributes by inculcating diversified extra-curricular practices.
Technological proficiency is a top priority: In elevating the entire world onto new peaks of prosperity and prominence, technology is an undeniably significant driving force. The sense of responsibility of successful private universities in this regard was most remarkably demonstrated when they saved their students from learning loss by starting online classes right away after the Covid-19 outbreak in Bangladesh.
Moreover, adjusting to students’ needs and situations at times, some of the private universities could successfully conduct classes in hybrid-mode as well. Along with that, in order to make students job-ready in this era of mass digitization, they have included certain courses like computer studies or computer applications for undergrad students as a compulsory course irrespective of the degree they are pursuing, which enhances the employability of their graduates.
Students are raised: Getting into certain private universities has also become a matter of competition now. Still, students with different academic records get admitted into private universities. All these students get the best out of their faculties. Owing to this, irrespective of the past academic records, a student gets widened exposure to stand strong and polish his/her learnings.
They are the best motivators: Most students join private universities dishearteningly, a huge thanks to the narrow-mindedness of a certain portion of our society. At that point, teachers revive the desire amongst the students to shine and free them from the shackles of dejection. Subsequently, students who cooperate with their faculties’ efforts end up creating motivating stories for others based on their real-life accomplishments. They show sheer perseverance by winning against all the odds and succeed in life by breaking all the barriers of narrow-minded misconceptions. This cycle of motivation testifies how both faculties and students at private universities are great motivators.
Highly research oriented: A crucial medium of propagating innovation for the greater good of humanity and everything it surrounds is research. The astonishing advancements Earth is currently flourished with and the upcoming improvements the entire universe is awaiting eagerly owe greatly to the possibilities demonstrated by research initiatives. And in this endeavour, the private universities are contributing the most in Bangladesh. According to a recent report published by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the top four in research spending among all the private and public universities in the country are four private universities: BRAC University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, American International University Bangladesh, and Daffodil International University.
Scholarships and stipends: Even after not having any state funding, private universities offer scholarships to meritorious students and stipends to students in need to the best of their ability. This tells us that other than already thriving as a fold of quality teachers, researchers, and future leaders, private universities are emerging further as socially responsible patrons as well.
However, there remains room for further improvement. That is why, weaknesses being loudly criticized should be cordially welcomed. Likewise, accomplishments also deserve to be equally appreciated.
If good endeavours are supported by regulators and allowed to flourish accordingly, private universities can shine even brighter as they have much more to give. With that, the best outcome from the higher education sector of Bangladesh shall be achieved when both public and private universities are regulated and governed justly, with equity.
Nazma Sultana is Director, Information Technology at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). She can be reached at [email protected]. Nafis Ehsas Chowdhury is a business student and freelance contributor. Email at [email protected].
