Pvt versities rising despite resource constraints
Staff Reporter :
The landscape of tertiary education in the country is witnessing a gradual expansion with the establishment of new private universities, aimed at enhancing the quality of education.
However, this growth unfolds against a backdrop marred by several pressing challenges within existing institutions. Reports from the University Grants Commission (UGC) consistently underscore deficiencies ranging from a shortage of qualified faculty to inadequate infrastructure including laboratories and research centers.
In a recent development, the Ministry of Education approved the creation of ‘Justice Abu Jafar Siddique Science and Technology University’ in Kushtia, signaling another addition to the roster of private universities. Meanwhile, the country already hosts 55 public universities across various districts.
The UGC, mandated with overseeing these institutions, acknowledges its operational limitations, particularly in staffing. Officials lament the strain of overseeing a burgeoning number of private universities with a mere handful of supervisory personnel.
“With only eight to ten officials dedicated to overseeing private universities, predominantly in operational roles, effective supervision becomes increasingly challenging,” remarked Md. Omar Faruque, Director of the Private University Division.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend as the number of private universities and enrolled students surges, the availability of full-time faculty diminishes, contrasting sharply with a rise in part-time instructors.
Presently, approximately 350,000 students are enrolled in private universities, with about 16,000 teachers in total, of which only 12,000 are full-time.
In a recent advisory issued on April 1, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned prospective students and guardians about several private universities allegedly flouting educational standards. According to the notice, 74 private universities have appointed vice-chancellors through presidential nominations, raising concerns over their adherence to regulatory frameworks.
Speaking on the matter, Chairman (Addl. Charge) and Member Professor Dr. Muhammed Alamgir highlighted a pressing issue faced by many universities—a dearth of qualified faculty. This shortage, he pointed out, has significantly compromised the quality of tertiary education across various institutions.
To address this critical challenge, Dr. Alamgir proposed the establishment of a ‘resource pool’ comprising experienced university professors. Under this initiative, these educators would engage in a blended education system, aiming to bolster teaching standards at newly established and regional universities.
“The crisis of competent professors and skilled teachers at these institutions has posed a formidable hurdle in ensuring quality higher education,” Dr. Alamgir remarked, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective remedial measures.
