He made the call while speaking as chief guest at the freshman reception ceremony for students of the 2025-26 academic year at Noakhali Science and Technology University on Wednesday.

Ismail Zabihullah said that a university is not just a place to earn a degree. Here, students get the opportunity to think differently, solve problems, and develop tolerance and human values. They must grow as the innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists of tomorrow and work for the welfare of the country and its people.

He said that doing well in exams alone is not the main purpose of education; creating knowledgeable and humane people is also essential. The talent, skills and creativity of young people must be used to contribute to the country's development.

Addressing teachers, he said that importance must be given to research on various social problems, including agriculture, environment, water, health, technology and employment. Research is needed whose benefits come to people in real life.

Member of Parliament for Noakhali-4 constituency Md. Shahjahan, UGC member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani, along with teachers, officials and students, were present at the event. Before the event, the adviser planted a sapling in the courtyard of Noakhali Circuit House.