Rethinking the Evaluation System of National Universities: A Call for Comprehensive Reform

In the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, the need for reform is more pressing than ever, especially within national universities. As the demand for quality education grows, it is essential to re-evaluate the systems and processes that define the academic experience for millions of students across Bangladesh.

Voices from the Campus

Mohammad Helal, a student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, shares his insights on the current state of universities in Bangladesh. He points out that while the number of universities has been increasing, the quality of education and oversight has not kept pace. "It seems that the primary responsibility of universities ends once they admit students and eventually award them degrees," Helal observes. He argues that higher education in Bangladesh requires significant reforms to align with the needs of the modern world.

Helal emphasizes the importance of creating skilled human resources that meet the demands of today's job market. He suggests that a collaborative effort between academia and industry is crucial to achieving this goal. "If universities and industries can work together, institutions can better prepare students to meet the market's demands, ultimately benefiting society as a whole," he asserts.

Ensuring Good Governance in Universities

Helal also stresses the need for good governance within universities as a foundational step toward modernization. He highlights the issues surrounding teacher appointments, suggesting that corruption in this area significantly impacts the overall quality of education. "The quality of a university is directly linked to the quality of its teachers. Addressing corruption in the appointment process is essential to ensuring the desired standards in our universities," he concludes.

The Struggles of National University Students

Maimuna Sharmin, a student of Management at Government Haji Mohammad Mohsin College in Chittagong, brings attention to the challenges faced by students of national universities. She believes that comprehensive reform is urgently needed to improve the educational experience for these students, who represent a significant portion of the country's future workforce.

One of the most pressing issues is the persistent problem of session jams, which disrupt the academic progress of students. "National universities house the largest number of students at the higher education level, yet they are plagued by session jams. This issue must be prioritized in the new Bangladesh," Maimuna argues.

Moreover, Maimuna highlights the irregularity of classes in many colleges under the National University. Due to inconsistent class schedules, students often resort to private coaching, while teachers fail to complete the syllabus within the classroom setting. She calls for stricter enforcement of the 75% attendance rule and the introduction of class participation marks to encourage regular attendance and engagement.

Rethinking the Evaluation System

Maimuna also advocates for a reevaluation of the current assessment system used by National Universities. Complaints about the fairness and accuracy of results are common, and Maimuna believes that introducing an "account review" system would help address these concerns. Additionally, she suggests reducing the fees for rechecking answer sheets to make the process more accessible for all students.

Another significant concern for National University students is the lack of convocation ceremonies, which are common in other universities. "It would be a great morale boost if National University students could celebrate their achievements through convocation ceremonies. If not at every college, at least at the divisional level," she proposes.

For more insights on education reform and related topics, visit BengaliVogue.com.