National University Integrates AI and Skill-Based Courses to Modernize Higher Education

In a move to align higher education with the rapidly growing digital economy, the National University has initiated major curriculum reforms aimed at making education more modern and employment-oriented. As part of this initiative, students will have access to skill-based courses, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, alongside the introduction of a micro-credential framework.

The announcement was made on 9 April, Thursday during the inaugural session of a three-day workshop titled “Incorporation of Skill-Based Courses into the National University Curriculum”, held at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka. The event was inaugurated by Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. Technical support for the program is being provided by the a2i Program of the ICT Division and UNICEF Bangladesh.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A S M Amanullah stated that ICT and English courses are already mandatory in the first year of the Honours program. Work is currently underway to develop an integrated ICT curriculum and a micro-credential framework for second- to fourth-year students. This approach will enable students to earn certificates through short-term, specialized training aligned with labor market demand. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish a modern educational ecosystem through Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and blended learning strategies.

Project Director of the a2i Program, Mohammad Abdur Rafiq, highlighted that incorporating skill-based courses into the National University curriculum will play a critical role in modernizing higher education, making it more relevant and market-ready. To maximize the use of technology, students must develop competencies in AI, Machine Learning, and other modern technological fields. The application of these technologies will have significance not only in the education sector but also across various national sectors. Such skills will help students and the wider population effectively utilize technology for their own and the nation’s benefit in the realities of the modern world.

Special remarks were also made by Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Abdul Khalek, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman, and UNICEF Bangladesh Deputy Representative Emmanuel Abrieux. The speakers expressed hope that this timely initiative will equip a large number of students to face global challenges.

DBTech/RI/EK/OR