President and Chairman of University of Development Alternative (UODA) poses with participants in front of CMS stall in the reunion program of UODA-2018.
University of Development Alternative (UODA) is one of the renowned private universities of Bangladesh. The university started its journey with a noble mission of creating a new generation of youths skilled, self-reliant, forward looking and vibrant with indomitable energy and self-confidence. It represents a new milestone in the concept of 'Complete Education for Alternative Development' (CEFAD). The mission of this university also aims at giving youths a strong moral ground so that their lives can be balanced, sober, just and content.
It arose from a deep sense of loss by witnessing a worldwide deterioration in values and also a tendency in the youths towards a more materialistic culture. The sapling planted in the initial stage of the Student Welfare Organization of Bangladesh (SWOB) in 1978 grew into a big tree and bore fruits with the founding of a school, a college, and finally UODA established in 2002. All three institutions depart radically from common academic centers putting emphasis on teaching principles and values.
Originally, the idea was founded and initiated by the President of UODA, freedom fighter and famous teaching legendary in Bangladesh Professor Mujib Khan. A group of visionary educationists, industrialists, social workers and professionals led by Mr Khan started to bring about a qualitative change in the educational system of the country. He believes that an 'alternative education' system needs to be developed considering the country's present need as well as building a platform towards meeting the challenges of global realities more effectively.
Besides imparting quality education, all cultural and national days are also observed in the university. Pahela Baishakh, International Mother Language Day, Independence Day, Victory Day apart from the university's own programs such as UODA week, reunion, picnic arranged by different departments are to mention only some among many other programs.
Besides these, UODA encourages its students and faculties to participate in social programs and activities by having them realize why social responsibility is inevitable to maintain social values and norms. As a part of practicing Bengali culture, each faculty member and each student has to put on our native dress on every Saturday at the campus.
Even though there is no university in Bangladesh ever I have seen to follow a strict dress code, UODA has one which is separate for students and faculty members to teach and encourage them that a strong sense of discipline really takes one ahead. Students are also given residence facilities as per their parent's income. It gives scholarship opportunities for the students although its education cost is much lower than that of any other existing private university in Bangladesh.
This university promotes cooperation with other academic institutions nationally and internationally in academic and research purposes and also emphasizes self-reliance and development of social and cultural values which reflect our national identity. UODA places the highest emphasis on maintaining regular and highly trained faculties along with well equipped library and laboratories.
And it has been said earlier about UODA's encouraging of all students and faculties to participate in social programs and activities besides course work. In terms of business policies, UODA is different from other universities where entrepreneurs compete to earn money and achieve purposive goal. The founder and chairman of UODA Professor Mujib Khan wants to build society based principally on ethics and knowledge.
To that view, he has invested a huge amount of money to create an eligible and skillful manpower for the country with as low cost as possible. UODA has opened up a vast window of opportunities for the poor students by ensuring adjunct faculty, library coordinator, lab attendant etc for them. It may be a good platform for the students who seek to be engaged with the university. Former students assume UODA as their home place.
They all are dedicated to their university and want to see it as a leading university in the education world. Also, students of this university operate Samata School which was established only for giving opportunity to the poor and marginalized students.
Professor Mujib Khan said, 'As a university, we are trying to work from the very place of social responsibility. Our students have proved themselves in the world of research and job sector within 15 years of the university's inception. Our qualified teachers try every way to help their students build up as world class researchers who will engage themselves in the education activities of schools and colleges as part of social responsibility.'
Foyjun Nahar, deputy registrar of UODA said, 'UODA has opened up a window of education opportunities for low and middle income groups of society. We are working from our sense of responsibility towards society for the welfare of the deprived children."
M Mahbub Alam, assistant professor and chairman of Communication and Media (CMS) Studies Department of UODA, said, "UODA has impressed us with its extensive programs in the greater interests of the underprivileged students who come from the lower tier of society. It, with its farsightedness in broadening the horizon of education, makes us feel really proud of the institution."
Arif Hossain, A student of Communication and Media Studies (CMS) Department of UODA said, 'I feel so proud to be a part of CMS, UODA. I want to thank the honorable president for establishing educational institutions like SODA, CODA as well as UODA. I also thank the authorities of UODA for creating such an environment and giving us the opportunity to develop ourselves by moral education and social commitment.'
The writer is a Sub Editor at The Asian Age
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