UGC plans satellite TV channel to expand access to higher education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is planning to launch a dedicated satellite television channel for higher education to reduce disparities in access to educational opportunities across the country.

The commission is considering launching a pilot programme by utilising the existing technological facilities of Bangladesh Open University (BOU), UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said on Wednesday.

He disclosed the plan while speaking as a special guest at a discussion marking the 34th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Open University.

The UGC chairman said disparities exist in educational opportunities and academic activities among the country’s universities, with some located in urban areas and others in remote regions.

To strengthen connections among teachers and students across these institutions, the UGC plans to introduce a separate television channel dedicated to higher education, he said, adding that a pilot programme could be launched using BOU’s existing facilities.

Mamun Ahmed also said the commission plans to bring around 180 public and private universities under a digital network within the next two years.

The initiative will involve developing high-speed internet connectivity, digital classrooms and other facilities needed for digital campuses, he said. It would expand opportunities for academic communication, joint research and collaboration among universities.

The network would also make it possible to connect Bangladeshi teachers and researchers working at foreign universities with higher education institutions in the country, he added.

The UGC chairman said advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data science and online technologies were challenging conventional education systems, making it essential to focus on both knowledge acquisition and skills development.�" UNB