Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has urged Bangladesh Open University (BOU) to transform itself into an effective institution for developing skilled human resources through technology-driven, employment-oriented and lifelong learning programmes.
He made the call while addressing the university's 34th founding anniversary celebration at its main campus in Gazipur on Wednesday.
The minister said BOU's mission should go beyond awarding certificates to developing the potential of people who lack access to conventional education and ensuring lifelong learning opportunities.
He stressed the need to evaluate the university's achievements over the past 34 years based on reliable data on educational quality, student skills and graduates' contributions to the workplace.
He also called for improvements in curricula and assessment systems, strict measures against examination irregularities and cheating, and the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in education.
Emphasising the need to develop the country's large population into a skilled workforce, the minister urged the university to make effective use of its existing infrastructure and technological facilities, learn from international experience and adopt research-based plans.
He also inaugurated BOU's Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) at the event.
The university presented its first-ever Dean's Awards to nine students who achieved outstanding results at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A postgraduate student from the transgender community also received a commemorative crest in recognition of academic achievement.
The programme was chaired by BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan. University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Anisur Rahman attended as special guests, while former Dhaka University vice-chancellor and Professor Emeritus Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury delivered the keynote address.
In his remarks, the vice-chancellor said BOU had expanded from offering a single academic programme to running 55 programmes over its 34-year journey.
He said the university was now focusing on knowledge-based, technology-driven, skills-oriented and innovation-focused education rather than merely increasing enrolment or issuing certificates.
He added that the university planned to introduce or expand career-oriented programmes in information technology, artificial intelligence, graphic design, entrepreneurship development, and Korean and Japanese languages.
He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve academic standards, revive discontinued journals and strengthen digital learning systems.
The vice-chancellor said lifelong learning remained one of BOU's key strengths, allowing people of all ages to pursue education. He stressed that improving educational quality and developing skilled graduates would remain the university's primary goals.
Keynote speaker Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury said BOU had played a significant role in expanding educational opportunities for working people, women, rural communities and those outside the conventional education system.
He called for improvements in academic standards, greater use of information technology, expanded research and innovation, employment-oriented education and student-centred services.
He also urged stronger collaboration with domestic and international higher education institutions to help BOU become a more modern, technology-driven and internationally competitive university.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed highlighted the university's achievements and future potential, stressing the need to use its extensive network and technological infrastructure to expand quality, skills-based and employment-oriented education.
He also called for modernising the university's academic and administrative systems in line with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The day-long celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag, the university flag and flags of its seven schools, followed by the release of pigeons and balloons. A colourful rally, art exhibition, documentary screening, discussion session and cultural programme were also organised.
BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Md Sirajul Islam delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer Professor Dr Sheikh Rafiqul Islam gave the vote of thanks. Acting Registrar TM Ahmed Hossain moderated the programme.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and representatives of several universities, including Islamic University of Technology and Dhaka Central University, also attended the event.
