28pc technical students drop out every year

Staff Reporter :

A research by the Bureau of Economic Research has revealed that approximately 28per cent of students drop out before completing their formal education in secondary and higher secondary schools and colleges under the Technical Education Board every year.

The study found that around 78 per cent of students admitted to polytechnic institutes in the 2022-23 academic year passed, with 72 per cent of them completing their graduation. The remaining 28% dropped out before finishing their graduation.

The researchers presented these findings at a roundtable meeting titled “TVET Institute Expenditure Review Study,” organised on Monday (February 24) at the Alumni Floor of Dhaka University.

The meeting was chaired by Professor Dr. M M Akash, Chairman of the Bureau of Economic Research, with Dr. K. M. Kabirul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, as the chief guest.

Professor Dr. Syema Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, and Shoaib Ahmad Khan, Director General of the Directorate of Technical Education, participated as special guests. The welcome address was given by Dr. Rumana Haque, Professor of the Department of Economics, and the research paper was presented by Assistant Professor Md. Nazmul Hossain of the Department of Economics.

The study also found that 27 per cent of teachers in polytechnic schools and colleges are trade-based instructors, while there is a shortage of 73 per cent. In the Craft Instructor position, only 17% are available, with an 83 per cent shortage. There are 21 per cent Lab Assistants, 77% Administrative staff, and 85 per cent Support staff. In total, 35 per cent of the teaching and staff positions are filled, but 65 per cent remain vacant.

Despite the shortage of teachers and students, the research indicates that an average of 32,000 Taka is spent per student every year. If the shortage of teachers, officials, and students were fully addressed, the cost per student would increase to 52,000 Taka.

Additionally, the research found that 88.2 per cent of the funds for polytechnic institutes come from the government budget. The remaining 3.8 per cent and 8.1 per cent are derived from government projects and student fees, respectively.