The latest annual report of the University Grants Commission (UGC) reveals per student’s expenditure and other important information about universities. UGC has submitted the report to the president a few days ago. Basically, the expenditure shows the amount universities spend per student. According to the report Dhaka University spent an average of Tk2,18,557 per student in 2022, which was Tk1,85,124 in 2021. Rajshahi University spent Tk2,01,778 per student while BUET spent Tk3,14,477 in 2021. The expenditure per student is almost similar in all public universities. But what logic is there to annually spend Tk702 per student at National University?

National University is one of the largest platforms of higher education in Bangladesh with about 30-40 lakh students studying in different institutes affiliated to this university. However, the annual expenditure per student studying under the National University has been steadily decreasing; which was only Tk702 per year in 2022, which means the national university monthly spends Tk58 per student.

The report says the National University spent an average of Tk1,151 per student in 2020 and Tk743 in 2021. Sadly enough, among South Asian countries, Bangladesh has the lowest allocation rate for education of the students of National University.

About 72% of students pursuing higher education in the country are enrolled in 2,257 colleges affiliated with the National University. However, the quality of education in these colleges has always been in question since they allegedly give too much importance to exams instead of taking classes properly.

Education experts in the country say that universities that spend more per student will have relatively better quality of education and research, and for those who spend less, the quality of their education will be worse.

According to UGC data, the per-student expenditure of science, medical, engineering and agricultural universities is always higher than that of general universities. In specialised universities, many things have to be taught in laboratories or hands-on. Bangladesh Agricultural University spends the most per student among universities in the country. This university spends Tk4,66,000 per student. As a result, this university is relatively advanced in education and research.

Investing in a good education is very important. However, the dismal picture of expenditure behind the National University students says that there is no adequate opportunity and environment for good quality education here.

In order to get rid of such a poor state of higher education at the National University, the country’s education experts have to think afresh. Take logical and effective steps to avoid taking repeated examinations only in National University-affiliated colleges.

On the other hand, by increasing the annual expenditure allocation per student in the national university, the practical and technical skills of the students should be ensured. Along with this, proper monitoring should be ensured in conducting environment-friendly class activities in colleges affiliated with National University. Above all, concerned authorities should take effective steps to resolve all kinds of obstacles and problems at the National University. Only then students studying in National Universities will be able to play an effective role in the development of the country.