National University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based AQA Global to modernise and digitise its examination and assessment system, aiming to improve accuracy, efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The MoU was signed on Thursday at the conference room of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office on the National University campus in Gazipur. It is the first agreement between AQA Global and an institution in Bangladesh.
Under the agreement, the university’s examination administration and assessment processes will be reviewed and modernised, with greater use of technology to streamline different stages of examinations and reduce the scope for human error.
National University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Amanullah said the university has a very large student population, making it essential to maximise the use of technology alongside conventional methods to manage examinations and assessments effectively.
“We want the entire examination process to become faster, more accurate and transparent. At the same time, technology should be used to reduce the scope for human error,” he said.
He said the partnership would enable the university to benefit from international experience in advanced assessment systems.
“This is not merely an agreement; it is an important step towards making the examination and assessment system of National University fit for the future,” he added.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Ali Jinnah said the university’s work should be aligned with the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) and the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) framework.
He said starting the initiative on a smaller scale with support from partner organisations would provide practical experience. If successfully implemented, the initiative could eventually serve as a model for Bangladesh’s wider education system, he added.
National University Treasurer Prof Dr Md Nazmul Hossain said the university was considering launching a pilot project involving a specific course or activity rather than introducing the system on a large scale from the outset.
“If the small-scale initiative with AQA Global proves successful, it will create an opportunity to expand the programme later. This will reduce risks and allow us to make decisions based on practical experience,” he said.
Sean Crowley, Director of International Business at AQA Global, said the organisation was pleased to have the opportunity to work with National University.
He said AQA Global would seek to apply its international experience in modernising the examination and assessment system of one of Bangladesh’s largest higher education institutions while taking into account the country’s context and the university’s specific needs.
He also said the partnership could go beyond improving examination procedures by creating opportunities for international recognition of students’ qualifications.
According to him, if Oxford AQA accreditation can be incorporated into students’ certificates, it could help enhance the recognition of their qualifications in higher education and employment opportunities both in Bangladesh and abroad.
National University Registrar Molla Mahfuz Al-Hossain, Director of the Regional Centre Coordination Office Md Aminul Akhtar, Chief Engineer Md Mizanur Rahman, Director of the Teacher Training Office Salma Parveen and Director of the International Desk Raj Bin Kasem were present at the signing ceremony.
AQA Global’s Lead International Business Development representative Syed Shah and Country Director for Bangladesh and Nepal Shahin Reza, along with senior officials from both organisations, also attended the event.
