The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday directed Britannia University, Cumilla, to stop admitting any new students under any of the varsity’s dubious academic programs.

A notice was issued in this regard on Sunday, signed by Md Omar Faruque, Director of the Private University Division of UGC.

The notice said that on a recent excursion to Cumilla, the commission found Britannia falling hopelessly short in almost criterion required by universities. The number of teachers is inadequate, it lacks qualified teachers, there is no research, it has no educational campus, the library is useless, and all its curricula are expired.

Also read: Cluster admission tests to be held in 32 universities in 2021-22 session: UGC

In a further shock, even the legal authority appointed by the chancellor is said to be absent. This means from the opening of Britannia University in 2017 till today - it does not have a VC , Pro VC or treasurer.

According to section 18,20 of the Private University Act, 2010, syndicate and academic councils are responsible for admission, education, taking exams and publishing results of the private university.

According to section 17 of the law, the Vice-Chancellor appointed by the Chancellor and the President following section 31 is the president of the syndicate and academic council.

The notice said, in absence of the VC appointed by the Chancellor all the exams taken and results published of a private university will be legally invalid.

Also read: UGC to bring all varsity students under digital device coverage by 2023

The syndicate and academic council of the university presided by someone else has no legal validity, it said.

For this reason, Britannia University authorities have been instructed in writing to suspend the admission of new students to all programs until further notice by the Commission.