UGC to Launch Soft Skills Training Initiative

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has taken an initiative to launch a short-term soft skills training program aimed at enhancing the professional efficiency and employability of university students. Concurrently, a "Professional Knowledge Sharing Program" is set to begin for university Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, and Treasurers to modernize higher education administration.

The decision was disclosed on Thursday (9 July) during an exchange meeting held at the project office regarding the formulation of training programs under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project.

Presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, the meeting highlighted that the training curriculum will encompass tech-adaptive soft skills, professional ethics, corporate values, job-market competencies, and life skills. Before finalizing the course contents, a technical assessment will be conducted to identify the precise skill gaps and requirements of university students. The operational blueprint of the program will be finalized within the next three months, and it will be gradually rolled out across all universities nationwide.

To reinforce institutional governance, the two-day "Professional Knowledge Sharing Program" for top university administrators is expected to commence next month. The program will cover critical aspects of higher education management, including strategic leadership, good governance, university administration, and modern financial management systems. Eminent Vice Chancellors from global universities and former local VCs will be invited to foster international best practices.

Furthermore, a seven-day capacity-building training program for associate professors and professors is also being introduced. In parallel, UGC is updating its strategic plan to drive long-term structural and technological reforms in higher education, aiming for finalization by the end of this month.

//DBTech/IHU/SMI//