Quality of university education is falling: UGC chairman

University Grants Commission chairman professor Kazi Shahidullah urges the vice-chancellors of public and private universities to recruit qualified teachers for improving the quality of higher education in the country. Photo: UNB

University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman professor Kazi Shahidullah on Tuesday urged the vice-chancellors of public and private universities to recruit qualified teachers for improving the quality of higher education in the country, reports UNB.“A qualitative change in higher education is not possible unless competent candidates are recruited as teachers. The quality of education provided by both public and private universities is gradually falling. Besides, the quality of teaching at universities is also worsening,” he said.

The UGC chairman was speaking at a workshop on the current status of IQACs at private university and ways to step forward at the UGC.

He lamented that qualification in teacher recruitment at universities is not being properly evaluated in most cases. “It’s not possible to get rid of this situation just with the technology if the right people are not recruited.”

If those committed to education and teaching profession are recruited, the country’s tertiary education will reach the desired level, professor Shahidullah stressed.

He also said only an increase in the facilities for teachers cannot contribute to the quality development of tertiary education. “The lost image of higher education should be regained with concerted efforts.”

Issuing a note of warning, he said even private universities will not be spared if they resort to irregularities and malpractices by flouting the rules in running their institutions. “Private universities have to take UGC approval and abide by rules in opening subjects and enrolling students.”

With UGC member professor Muhammed Alomgir in the chair, the workshop was attended, among others, by UGC members professor Dil Afroza Begum, professor Md. Sazzad Hossain, vice-chancellors of 42 private universities, and directors of UGC and IQACs.