UGC chairman urges RU students to develop skills, values

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed on Saturday urged students to acquire knowledge and skills alongside a sense of responsibility and human values.

He made the call while addressing the orientation ceremony for newly admitted undergraduates of the 2025-26 academic session at Rajshahi University (RU). Prof Mamun highlighted the merit and efforts required to gain admission to RU through its competitive admission test and urged the student to continue striving for excellence. “Students must make continuous efforts to fulfil their dreams,” he said. Underscoring the importance of developing humane values, he said, “When faced with failure or frustration in life, students must have confidence in their abilities, learn from their experiences, and rise again.”

Mamun also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression while respecting others’ rights, opinions and dignity. He said universities have a role to play in facilitating such an environment.

Mamun also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression while respecting others’ rights, opinions and dignity, adding, universities can help facilitate the practice. “Freedom should be practiced while maintaining a balance between rights and responsibilities,” he said.

He also urged students to prepare for the rapidly changing global job market by developing communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Regarding RU, he said that the UGC is paying attention to its development. “After reviewing the university’s five-year development plan, initiatives will be taken to meet various needs on a priority basis,” he said.

RU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Md Faridul Islam chaired the programme. UGC Member Prof Abdullah-Al-Mamun, RU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Md Abdul Alim and Pro-VC (Education) Prof Mamunur Rashid attended the programme as special guests.