Science-based higher education must for economic upliftment: Prof Azad

 Observing that internationalisation of higher education based on science, technology and innovation is the prime driving force for socio-economic upliftment of a country in today’s globalised world, UGC Chairman Prof Dr AK Azad Chowdhury on Thursday said quality education and quality graduates are must to compete in global arena.

He made the observation while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on Quality Enhancement and Reform in HEls: Building Bridge between Bangladesh and Finland at the University Grants Commission auditorium.

Dr Tarja Maarit Pietiläinen, Chairperson, EduCluster, Finland, and Professor Dr Kari Pitkänen, Director, Strategic Planning and Development, University of Jyväskylä, Finland were present as guests of honour with UGC Member Prof Dr Atful Hye Shibly in the chair.

The UGC chairman said the achievement of Bangladesh is very positive in terms of number but the country will have to go ahead in terms of its standard and quality. Presently, enrolment at tertiary level almost stands at 30 lakh. “If quality could be infused with the number in higher education, our universities would be able to produce world-class graduates.”

Referring to higher education in the country, he observed that some public universities are imparting quality education and some private universities are also providing standard and quality education.

Terming Finland the ‘icon of education’, Prof Azad observed that subject and discipline-wise knowledge of the students is very strong and the country is firm footing on science, technology and innovation.

Prof Dr Kari Pitkänen, in his speech, said higher educational institutions give much emphasis on post-graduate education and further said that the key for economic success and welfare is on using country’s human resources.

Source: UNB Connect