Reform body for decentralising Nat'l University

The high-powered committee in a report on National University (NU) reform has recommended decentralisation of the university by forming six regional centres in six divisions and bringing the affiliated colleges of the regions under the centres.
The committee headed by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam submitted the report to Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid yesterday.
The report made three main and three supplementary recommendations on reformation of the university.
It said the Dhaka divisional centre could be established on the main campus of the NU located in Gazipur and colleges under Dhaka division would have to be affiliated to it.
The proposed regional centres would keep regular contact with the adjacent public universities and seek their assistance in academic and other necessary issues, said the report adding the institutes of the NU will be managed by its Gazipur centre.
An academic linkage between the proposed centres and public universities has been recommended, UGC Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam told The Daily Star.
The report suggested monitoring activities of affiliated colleges to keep the affiliating character of the university and also proposed 'National Affiliating University' as its name.
Another recommendation said teachers' training course and other foundation courses could be continued on the main campus.
But no educational activities like graduation and post-graduation programmes should be conducted here, the report added. The university is running MPhil and PhD programmes.
The report placed stress on removing 'irregularities and corruption' from the university saying authorities will take legal and effective measures on an emergency basis.
The report also suggested upgrading of the on and renowned government colleges at divisional and district levels into complete university on the basis of some standards in phases.
After receiving the report, education minister said implementation of the report will start soon after certain procedures.
In the wake of gross irregularities and corruption at the NU, the education ministry formed the 11-member committee on March 25 with UGC chairman as its convener to reform the university which has around 1,760 graduate and postgraduate colleges affiliated.
The committee held five meetings and consulted different teachers' organisations to prepare the report. It also exchanged views with the National Education Policy Formulation Committee.
They have finalised the recommendations in line with the reports of Qudrat-e-Khuda Education Commission and Shamsul Haque Education Committee, said a committee source.
Committee members including Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique and NU VC Prof Kazi Shahidullah were present during the report submission.