UGC plans to bring all universities under digital network by 2028

The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to bring all public and private universities in Bangladesh under a digital network within the next two years.

It also plans to make internships mandatory at all universities within five years and introduce technology-based services for students, from admission to certificate collection.

UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed announced the plans at a consultation workshop titled “Digital Transformation of Higher Education Management” at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday.

Teachers and researchers involved in information technology, along with officials from the UGC and the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, attended the workshop.

Prof Mamun said the commission aims to ensure that all universities have proper network facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi and the necessary technical support within two years. The initiative will help introduce digital classrooms and gradually turn universities into digital campuses, he said.

The UGC also plans to bring admission, fee payment, residential hall information and other academic and administrative services online.

Students should be able to apply for admission, pay fees and check hall seat information from anywhere without visiting their universities in person, the chairman said. The commission also wants to introduce an online system so that graduates can apply for and collect their certificates without making repeated visits to their universities.

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Prof Mamun said the UGC plans to make internships mandatory at all universities within the next five years to give students practical work experience.

The commission is considering developing an online platform to connect universities with potential employers. Universities will provide information on internship demand based on their departments and student numbers, while industries, service organisations and government offices will share how many students they can accommodate.

The UGC will coordinate between the two sides to help students find internship opportunities, he said.

The commission also plans to use digital technology to address shortages of teachers and skilled professionals at universities.

UGC members Prof Masuma Habib and Prof Aslam Hossain, along with HEAT Project Director Prof Asaduzzaman, also spoke at the workshop.