Staff shortage cripples Narail Nursing College; one teacher runs entire institution
Established to produce skilled nursing professionals, Narail Government Nursing College is struggling to function with only one teacher for nearly 200 students, while the lack of residential facilities has forced students to live in classrooms, exposing serious shortcomings three years after its academic activities began.
The college, which started classes in 2023, is also grappling with a prolonged manpower crisis, vacant support staff positions and the suspension of students' monthly stipends, affecting both academic activities and student welfare.
According to college authorities, the institution was established in 2020 on 2.90 acres of land at Bhawakhali in Narail municipality adjacent to the district hospital at a cost of around Taka 12 crore.
However, despite the passage of several years, no permanent posts have been created as the institution has yet to receive an economic code, a prerequisite for staffing and budget allocation.
Initially, the college operated with a principal and four instructors on deputation from other institutions. At present, only one instructor and one office assistant are running the entire institution.
The acute shortage has severely disrupted teaching and academic management for nearly 200 students enrolled in four batches of the three-year diploma programme.
The college also lacks residential facilities despite the diploma being a residential course. Female students are currently staying in makeshift dormitories created inside classrooms of the academic building, while male students have been forced to rent accommodation outside the campus.
Students have also been deprived of their monthly stipends for the past three years, creating financial hardship, particularly for those from low-income families.
Apart from the shortage of teachers, the college has no accountant, computer operator or laboratory operator. Posts for cook, security guard, cleaner and other support staff also remain vacant, causing daily operational difficulties.
Students urged the authorities to appoint the required number of qualified teachers immediately and ensure adequate staffing to restore normal academic activities.
They expressed hope that prompt intervention by the authorities will remove uncertainty surrounding their education and help ensure a proper learning environment.
Sutapa Sikder, the college's lone instructor, described the manpower shortage as the institution's biggest challenge.
"Around 10 teachers are needed for nearly 200 students, but I am the only instructor here. You can imagine the situation," she said.
The instructor said the problems have already been communicated to the higher authorities and expressed hope that additional teachers will be appointed soon.
Civil Surgeon of the district Dr Md Abdur Rashid said the issues relating to manpower, accommodation and other logistical shortcomings have been reported to the higher authorities.
He said the authorities concerned are also working to secure the required economic code and create the necessary posts, expressing hope that the problems will be resolved soon.