Speaking on this year’s International Day of Education theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education”, Professor Dr. Farahnaaz Feroz, Hon’ble Chairman, Board of Trustees, Stamford University Bangladesh said the idea resonates deeply with Stamford University Bangladesh’s academic philosophy.

She emphasised that students are viewed not as passive learners, but as active partners in the educational process. By encouraging student voices, innovation, and leadership, the university involves learners in curriculum development, research initiatives, and co-curricular engagement. Looking ahead, she noted that Stamford aims to further institutionalise youth participation to help build an inclusive, innovation-driven, and globally competitive education system.

Addressing concerns over Bangladesh’s shortage of qualified teachers, Professor Dr. Farahnaaz Feroz underscored that quality education depends on a robust and motivated faculty. She highlighted the importance of transparent recruitment, continuous professional development, research opportunities, and incentive-based academic environments. At Stamford University Bangladesh, faculty appointments are guided by subject expertise, pedagogical competence, and research orientation. Regarding student admissions, she explained that the university prioritises merit, motivation, and potential, while also offering bridge courses and academic support to ensure students from diverse backgrounds can thrive within a quality-driven learning environment.

In the context of global competition, Dr. Farahnaaz Feroz identified the disconnect between academic curricula and real-world workplace demands as a major challenge for higher education institutions. Rapid technological change, gaps in soft skills, limited industry–university collaboration, and constraints in research-based learning continue to hinder graduate employability. To address these challenges, she said Stamford University Bangladesh has strengthened industry partnerships, expanded internship opportunities, enhanced career counselling services, and introduced skill-based learning initiatives.

She also highlighted the university’s commitment to maintaining academic excellence through faculty development, research, and innovation. Stamford University Bangladesh regularly organises faculty development programmes, provides research grants, encourages publication in international journals, and supports participation in academic conferences. Alongside these efforts, the university continues to adopt innovative teaching practices, blended learning approaches, and research-based instruction to keep pace with global academic standards.

Dr. Farahnaaz Feroz stressed the growing importance of collaboration with foreign universities, noting that international partnerships enhance academic quality, expand research capacity, and strengthen global recognition. Stamford University Bangladesh actively pursues international collaborations for faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and curriculum development. She added that the university currently ranks 11th among private universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting its increasing global presence.

On curriculum modernisation, she said the university is integrating digital literacy, data analytics, artificial intelligence fundamentals, cyber security, and entrepreneurship into its academic offerings. Plans are also underway to introduce new, market-responsive programmes aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring graduates remain competitive in an evolving job market.

Discussing PhD programmes, Dr. Farahnaaz Feroz acknowledged that private universities often face regulatory and infrastructural challenges in launching doctoral-level education. However, she expressed confidence in Stamford University Bangladesh’s preparedness. She noted that the institution has built a strong academic foundation supported by a research-oriented faculty, a modern library with robust information resources, and an effective framework for research governance. Emphasising the importance of rigorous quality assurance, research ethics, and adherence to international standards, she said Stamford University Bangladesh is ready to move forward with PhD-level education and research, with the goal of producing scholars who can contribute meaningfully to national development.

Through its emphasis on youth engagement, academic quality, global collaboration, and research excellence, Stamford University Bangladesh continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution shaping the future of higher education in Bangladesh.