AI-based Applied ICT to be game changer in future job market: NU VC

National University Vice-Chancellor Prof ASM Amanullah has said artificial intelligence-based Applied ICT will be a game changer in the future job market.

“Higher education must develop skilled, creative and responsible human resources capable of leading in a changing world,” he said, stressing that digital competence and the ability to solve practical problems through information technology were essential for every student.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a four-day workshop titled ‘Resource Materials Development’ at BRAC CDM in Savar on Sunday.

National University organised the workshop with technical support from UNICEF Bangladesh.

Considering current technological realities, National University has made Applied ICT compulsory for students of all subjects in the second year of its Bachelor (Honours) programme, the vice-chancellor said.

Amanullah said the country had failed to develop an advanced and timely curriculum despite more than five decades of independence.

While there were debates over the quality of education and certificates at National University, he said many of its graduates had established themselves in important positions at home and abroad through their own merit.

However, many students were being deprived of job-market skills because of a lack of skills-based curricula, he said, adding that policymakers, rather than students or teachers, were responsible for the situation.

The ongoing reforms at National University aim to prepare students for their future careers, he said.

By making ICT education practical and application-oriented, students will gain skills in cybersecurity, digital marketing, the gig economy and freelancing, preparing them for higher education and the global job market, he added.

Highlighting his recent visits to educational institutions in Rajshahi, Bogura and Naogaon, Amanullah said students in remote areas were persevering despite inadequate resources and teacher shortages.

In some cases, a single teacher was required to conduct an average of 16 to 17 classes, he said. Even in the absence of ICT labs, teachers were conducting classes using projectors.

The issues had been reported to the relevant departments, which had assured him of swift action, he added.

Amanullah said the National University had undertaken significant investments and multifaceted initiatives for the 2026-27 academic year to enhance students’ ICT skills.

He described the technical partnership with UNICEF Bangladesh as an example of effective collaboration in implementing the reforms.

The workshop was moderated by Salma Parveen, director of the Teacher Training Department at National University.

National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Ali Jinnah and UNICEF Bangladesh Chief of Education Deepa Sankar attended the event as special guests.