a2i and National University Join Hands for Education Reform and Employability Enhancement
To enhance the quality of education and improve students’ competitive skills, the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme under the ICT Division has partnered with the National University of Bangladesh. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two entities on Tuesday, June 3, at the ICT Tower in Dhaka.
The signing ceremony was attended by Md. Rashedul Mannan Kabir, Project Director of a2i, and Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah, Vice Chancellor of the National University. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, was present as the chief guest.
The event was presided over by ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and attended by senior officials, including Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Chief Executive Officer of a2i and Additional Secretary; Mohammad Kabir Hossain, Project Director of the DIKKHA initiative; Professor Dr. Md. Lutfar Rahman and Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellors of the National University; and Md. Afzal Hossain Sarwar, Head of Future of Education at a2i. Abdullah Al Fahim, Head of Programme Management at a2i, moderated the session.
Calling for immediate action to implement the project, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said, “Our first task will be to digitize the administrative processes of the National University so that students can easily access their certificates, transcripts, and other documents without delay.”
He added, “We will modernize the courses by incorporating artificial intelligence, large language models, and other emerging technologies to align with industry needs. Students deserve more than rote learning — they seek opportunities to contribute through their ideas, problem-solving, and value creation for national progress.”
Emphasizing the professional development of faculty members, Taiyeb noted that instructors can enhance their teaching competencies through regular training and the use of blended learning methods. “Online materials will help make classrooms more engaging,” he said.
“We will revamp initiatives like DIKKHA and MuktoPaath to enrich learning experiences tailored to individual student needs,” Taiyeb continued. “When teachers gain confidence, students will naturally become more capable.”
Highlighting the broader context of the partnership, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury said, “For years, university campuses have strived to maintain learning environments aligned with modern expectations. Digital transformation is no longer optional. With a2i’s support, the National University can begin setting a new benchmark for public higher education.”
Professor Dr. Amanullah noted that the National University produces over one million graduates annually. “We supply nearly 70% of the country’s higher education output. While our teachers work diligently and infrastructure is improving, our curricula often fall short of current demands. This agreement will help realign our academic programs with industry requirements and better connect education with employment,” he said.
Expressing hope for swift implementation, the Vice Chancellor added, “This collaboration will not remain on paper. Within months, we plan to launch joint initiatives, pilot new courses, and link students with internships that complement their studies.”
According to the agreement, both parties will work together to improve the quality of education, develop essential skills, and promote sustainable employment for National University students. a2i will assist in integrating digital and ICT-related competencies into the university’s curriculum. Programme experts will collaborate with faculty members to review syllabi, design new modules, and develop online resources. a2i will also conduct joint research on future education models, provide guidance on flexible study options, and help educators adopt blended learning techniques.
Furthermore, a2i will facilitate connections with employers to provide internships and project-based learning experiences aligned with market needs. Meanwhile, the National University will create detailed strategies for curriculum reform, digital governance, and e-services within its affiliated colleges. It will also explore AI-based tools for personalized career guidance and skills assessment. The university will certify digital courses to ensure they carry full academic credit and will establish an open platform under faculty and industry mentorship to nurture student entrepreneurship.
