Digital Drive for Degree Development: a2i and National University Seal Strategic MoU
“The confidence of teachers leads to the competence of students,” said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Adviser, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry, as he underscored the importance of empowering educators to advance student learning. He emphasized that the progress of learners depends on the capacity of instructors, adding, “We believe that continuous training will enable teachers to use blended teaching methods. In this approach, online learning materials will simplify and clarify classroom discussions. Therefore, we will revamp projects like DIKKHA and MuktoPaath to allow every student to reinforce lessons according to individual learning needs.”
Mr. Taiyeb made these remarks while addressing the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme under the ICT Division and the National University Bangladesh (NU), held on Saturday at the ICT Tower in Dhaka. The MoU seeks to initiate a transformation in the higher education landscape through digital integration.
Md. Rashidul Mannaf Kabir, Project Director of the a2i Programme, and Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of National University, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. According to the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to embed strong digital skills into university curricula, expand the use of modern learning tools, and chart a clearer path from classrooms to careers.
ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, CEO of the a2i Agency and Additional Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Project Director of the Digital Interactive Knack for Knowledgeable Human Assets initiative (DIKKHA) Mohammad Kabir Hossain, NU Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Md Lutfor Rahman and Professor Md Nurul Islam, and Md Afzal Hossain Sarwar, Head of Future of Education at a2i, were among the dignitaries present. Abdullah Al Fahim, Head of Programme Management at a2i, moderated the event.
In his speech, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb further said, “Our first task is to digitize the administrative processes of National University, so that students can easily receive certificates, transcripts, and other documents without delay.” Assuring realistic and immediate implementation of the partnership, he added, “We will update courses to reflect the current world of work by including artificial intelligence, large language models, and other modern technologies.”
He further stated, “Students deserve more than memorization; they deserve the chance to explore ideas, solve problems, and create new value, to contribute to the country’s wellbeing.”
Placing the partnership within a broader reform agenda, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury remarked, “For many years, university campuses struggled to keep an academic atmosphere that matched modern expectations. Digital transformation is no longer optional. With a2i’s support, National University can begin to set a new standard for public higher education.”
Professor Dr. Amanullah said, “National University produces more than a million graduates each year, as being one of the largest universities in the world. We account for about seventy percent of the nation’s higher education. Our teachers work with dedication, and our infrastructure is improving, yet our curriculum does not always match present-day demands. This agreement comes at the right moment. It will let us align learning with industry needs and strengthen the link between study and employment.”
Expressing optimism about rapid implementation, he added, “We will not keep this collaboration on paper. Within a few months, we expect to launch joint initiatives, test new courses, and place students in internships that match their studies.”
As outlined in the MoU, both a2i and NU aim to uplift academic quality, cultivate essential skills, and create sustainable employment pathways for students and graduates. a2i will support the integration of digital and IT competencies into university programs, collaborating with faculty teams to revise syllabi, design new modules, and develop online resources. The programme will also offer guidance on flexible education policies, support joint research on future learning models, and enhance the blended teaching capabilities of faculty members. Additionally, a2i will help connect NU with potential employers so students can engage in market-relevant internships and project-based learning.
For its part, National University will lead the academic implementation. The institution will devise strategic plans for curriculum reform, digital governance, and e-services across its network of affiliated colleges. It will test AI-driven tools to provide students with personalized career guidance and skills assessments. NU will also pursue accreditation for digital courses to ensure full academic credit for online learning. Furthermore, the university will promote entrepreneurship by establishing innovation spaces where students can develop business ideas under the mentorship of faculty and industry experts.
