The University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) will work on expanding collaboration with firms working in IT and related fields, as well as on prioritising research initiatives with industry partners.
This will lead to innovation, attract top faculty talent, and contribute to advancements in IT and other fields.
UITS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abu Hashan Bhuiyan made the remarks in an exclusive interview with The Business Post’s Mir Mohammad Jasim, as part of a special supplement focusing on 30 years of private universities in Bangladesh.
What is the UITS vision?
To be one of the most impeccable universities, where the graduates can blend theory and practice together.
How far are you in achieving your goals?
In the pathway to our progress in practical learning, achieving our vision is an ongoing process. We continually seek out improvement through faculty development, experiential learning, and academia-industry partnerships.
What are the achievements of UITS so far?
There are numerous achievements of UITS. The institution has a strong educational foundation. We offer a well-rounded Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum that develops both intellectual and personal strengths in students.
The UITS focuses on practical learning. It creates opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge into real-world settings by emphasising on practical/experiential learning.
We have a supportive learning environment. The university has a strong record of attracting and retaining talented faculty and staff, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, scholarly endeavours, and exploration.
The UITS has made strides in knowledge contribution. We are generating and disseminating valuable knowledge and research through journal publication that benefits society and the environment.
It also has global connections. Partnerships among local and international universities/organisations have been established through the UITS Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), facilitating student exchange and research collaborations.
UITS-foreign university MoU/international collaborations through IQAC so far include INTI International University, Malaysia; Sukuna Multiple Campus – a QAA Accredited community-based campus affiliated with Tribhuvan University, Nepal; and Millersville University, United States of America.
The UITS also co-organised international conferences such as the 4th International Conference on “Harmony in Innovation: Navigating Global Business Landscapes through Emerging Technologies and Dynamic Management Strategies,” hosted by Dr DY Patil, B-School (# 121-130 QS International Trade Ranking), Pune, India.
This university also co-organised Data Science & Exploration in Artificial Intelligence CODE-AI 2024, hosted by the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT-BLR).
The UITS thrives on innovation and progress. Challenging research in the university helps in creating new knowledge and contributing to advancements in the field of Information Technology and Sciences.
What is so special about UITS?
The UITS has two key specialities. We focus on experiential learning. The UITS emphasises exploring higher education services in an experiential learning environment.
This approach prioritises hands-on learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom lectures. The process involves projects, internships, simulations, or other activities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The university specialises in information technology (IT) and various science/arts/business disciplines.
There is also focus on areas such as Computer Science and Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Engineering, or related fields, within the broader IT and Science/arts/business domains.
By combining these specialities, the UITS aims to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in IT and scientific concepts but also possess the practical skills and experience to apply that knowledge effectively in the workforce.
Is the UITS syllabus market/industry oriented?
Yes, the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum inherently pushes syllabuses to be more market and industry-oriented. Here are a few indicators.
The OBE curriculum focuses on defining clear learning outcomes for each course. These outcomes should specify the skills and knowledge students should possess by the end of the course.
For relevant learning outcomes, the OBE curriculum often involves collaborations with industry professionals to understand the skills and knowledge that graduates need to be successful in the job market.
The OBE curriculum helps ensure graduates’ skills that employers are looking for, reducing the skills gap between education and the workforce by aligning learning outcomes with industry needs.
Why would students choose UITS?
The UITS offers industry-ready skills, which will help students gain practical experience through projects, internships, and an IT/science focus which prepare them for the marketplace.
We offer scholarships and affordability, allowing students to find financial support and competitive tuition fees to fit the student/parent budget.
The UITS has a flourishing campus. Students will be able to enjoy a permanent green campus in the heart of Dhaka city with modern classroom facilities, co- and extracurricular activities and a strong student community.
We offer expert faculty, which allows students to learn from experienced professors with academia-industry connections, and to boost their career prospects.
Is the UITS tackling any challenges?
The institution not only faces challenges in managing resources and equitable access for students, but also a lack of students owing to the socio-economic condition of Bangladesh, and the ever growing number of private universities across the country.
What does UITS plan for the future?
According to the UITS mission statements and the potential challenges, here are some areas where future efforts might be focused.
We will strengthen industry partnerships. The UITS could aim to expand collaborations with industries/companies in IT and related fields.
This could lead to more guest lectures, internship opportunities, and faculty development programmes that keep the Professor’s up-to-date with industry trends.
The university will enhance experiential learning. We might explore new ways to integrate practical learning experiences into the curriculum. This could involve project-based learning opportunities, simulations, or even virtual reality experiences relevant to the fields of study.
We will focus on research and development. The university will prioritise research initiatives in collaborations with industry partners. This can lead to innovation, attract top faculty talent, and contribute to advancements in IT and other fields.
The UITS will promote accessibility and equity. We will focus on initiatives that ensure affordability and equal access to scholarships and financial aid programmes. This can help attract a diverse and talented student body, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Can private universities curb education migration?
Private universities can further improve the education quality and offer industry-specific programmes to compete with foreign options, potentially reducing education migration.
However, affordability and international recognition may become obstacles. A multi-pronged approach is needed, including improving non-government universities, offering strategic scholarships, and fostering a strong research environment domestically.
