National University curriculum out of date

A recent World Bank study titled "Graduate Employability of Affiliated Colleges: New Evidence from Bangladesh" portrays a dismal picture of the rate of employment of National University students. As much as 46 percent of graduates remain unemployed up to three years after completing their education. Although science graduates fare slightly better than arts and business graduates, 66 percent of male graduates remained unemployed against 77 percent of their female counterparts, and the rates of unemployment are higher in rural areas than urban.

The current trend of certificate-oriented studies is not helping. What is needed is knowledge and skill-based certification because what the study reveals is that these college graduates often lack the relevant skills valued by the employers. Employers need graduates who have adequate knowledge in English and computer skills. The college curriculum does not stress on problem-solving skills or team work which usually put graduates at a distinctive advantage when applying for jobs.

What we have is a mismatch in skills development—what is needed in the job market and what the education system is giving to students at graduation level under the National University curriculum. It is all too apparent that colleges need to work with employers to set up apprenticeship programmes so that prospective graduates can get work experience before they finish school. The education system must be overhauled to keep subjects updated to meet the needs of industry and employers in general. This will entail developing teachers to upgrade their teaching skills and the entire curriculum should be revisited in consultation with employers so that tomorrow's graduates are in a better position to get placements in the demanding workplace.