NU to introduce diploma in 12 work-oriented subjects

National University (NU) has taken an initiative to introduce skill-based Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) courses in 12 new subjects to ensure quality and time-befitting education.

The NU authorities have already finalized the syllabus of the 12 diploma courses to create scope for employment for the students who have completed higher education.

The syllabus was finalized for the new courses at a workshop on 12 June 2022 with Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni in the chair.

The 12 Post-Graduate Diploma courses are Information and Communication technology (ICT), Language (English and Arabic), Entrepreneurship, Farming Technology, Data Analysis, Tourism and Travel Management, Supply Chain Management, Digital Marketing, Capital Market and Investment, Certificated Accounting Technician, Cyber Security and Security Management.

NU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Mashiur Rahman said they took the initiative to introduce the courses to create employment for students and increase their skills to prepare them for jobs.

Addressing a press conference in NU’s city office in the capital’s Dhanmondi on the occasion of 30th anniversary of National University, Prof Mashiur Rahman on Friday also said the country’s 70 percent students of higher education sector are studying at the NU.

NU was established on 21 October 1992 with 455 affiliated colleges but now the number of the affiliated colleges is 2257 where around 35 lakh students are studying, he said

Highlighting various initiatives of the university, he said they took steps including revising syllabuses of 31 subjects of Honors courses of the university following the Bangladesh Accreditation Council and Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework.

The draft syllabuses of 31 subjects have already been formulated following the Outcome Based Education (OBE) Template of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The new syllabus will be introduced from 2023-2024 academic year where several new courses including ICT and soft skills will be kept.

Initiative was also taken to formulate an academic master plan to make the curriculum of national university time-befitting and work-oriented education. A high level committee is working to draw the master plan.

NU is also working to introduce blended education system and they are making a detailed plan to develop skills and quality education as per the fourth Industrial Revolution.

A project on building three regional offices of the NU in Rangpur, Barishal and Chattogram is going on aiming to decentralize management of the NU.