Progga Das

The primary strength of a nation's development lies in its education system. However, education is not just about exam scores and certificates; its true purpose is to make individuals skilled, self-reliant, and prepared for real life. Unfortunately, the current education system remains book-centric and heavily dependent on rote learning, which limits students to theoretical knowledge rather than equipping them with the skills needed for real-life challenges.

This growing gap between education and practical life has become a major obstacle to our social and economic progress.According to a World Bank report, the unemployment rate among highly educated individuals in Bangladesh is around 47%, whereas for those with technical education, it is only 5%. Many employers believe that university graduates are not adequately prepared for the job market. Moreover, despite the global demand for skilled workers, our youth lack the necessary competencies, leading to a continuous rise in unemployment. The main reason behind this is that our education system fails to develop job-market-oriented skills.According to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, students who receive life-oriented education are 30% more successful in the workplace. Additionally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) states that by 2030, 50% of jobs worldwide will require new types of life-oriented and work-related skills that our current education system does not adequately support.In the context of Bangladesh, a study by BRAC University found that students who receive technical and vocational education have a 40% higher chance of securing jobs than those with general education.

This indicates that life-oriented education is not only crucial for personal growth but also for national economic progress. Such an education system fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills, which are essential for survival and advancement in today's competitive world.Therefore, it is essential to take necessary measures to modernize and make education more practical and relevant to real life. The existing curriculum needs reform, incorporating practical subjects, technical education, life skills, and technological knowledge. We are currently in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, and big data are becoming increasingly significant. However, our education system still does not place enough emphasis on these fields.

A study by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that by 2030, 800 million people worldwide may lose their jobs due to technological advancements. This is particularly alarming for developing countries like Bangladesh. At the same time, Bangladesh's ICT Division has reported that by 2030, the IT sector will create 2 million new jobs. However, due to a lack of skilled manpower, taking advantage of these opportunities will be challenging.To address this, technology education must be included in academic courses. Every university should introduce a mandatory 6 to 12-month internship program for students. Additionally, project-based learning should be implemented in schools and colleges to help students acquire real-world knowledge from an early age. Establishing technology and technical training centers in every district is essential for making the youth self-reliant. In today's world, there is no alternative to acquiring skills in information technology, technical education, and digital technology.Rather than merely chasing jobs, students should be given opportunities to become entrepreneurs. Our education system should be designed in a way that enables students to create jobs instead of waiting for them. In developed countries, students receive business education from a young age, but in Bangladesh, the opposite is true.

Most students have little to no understanding of business or self-employment, leading to increasing unemployment among highly educated individuals and economic losses for the country.To address this, financial management, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills should be included in the education system. Universities should also expand opportunities for research-based learning. Encouraging creative thinking requires integrating research and academic papers into the curriculum.In today's world, having just an academic degree is not enough to secure a job. Employers now prioritize soft skills, technological expertise, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork experience. Therefore, from the primary level, students should be taught these essential skills. Furthermore, teacher training programs must be introduced to modernize teaching methods. Many teachers still follow outdated rote-learning techniques, which must be changed. Regular training programs should be arranged for teachers, and experienced professionals should be recruited for life-oriented and work-oriented education.Most importantly, raising social awareness about technical and life-oriented education is crucial. Even today, nearly 80% of students and parents believe that education is only about memorizing lessons, passing exams, and earning certificates.

They must be made aware of the importance of practical education. Students should be encouraged to pursue skill-based, research-oriented, and technology-driven learning.The true purpose of education is not just obtaining certificates but preparing for real life. In today's rapidly changing world, education must be job-oriented, technology-driven, and innovative. If we can modernize our education system, Bangladesh will become self-sufficient and join the ranks of developed nations. Therefore, it is time to break free from outdated educational methods and open new horizons.Education is the backbone of a nation, but to strengthen this backbone, education must be practical, vocational, and technology-driven. This will create a skilled, aware, and responsible generation that will drive the country's economy and lead Bangladesh toward becoming a developed nation.

The writer is a, Student Department of Economics Eden Mohila College