VietNamNet Bridge – Changes were needed to complete Viet Nam National University-Ha Noi (VNU) on time and as planned, according to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan.

One of the most modern education facilities in South East Asia, it is being built at Hoa Lac high-tech zone.

Instead of letting teachers and professors at the present Ha Noi National University in Cau Giay District run the project, a construction company should be placed in charge of the second phase, which runs from this year to 2015.

The professors could then can focus on training the 41,000 students at the university.

Nhan came up with his idea after speaking to leaders at Ha Noi National University, the Construction Ministry, the Planning and Investment Ministry, the Finance Ministry and people's committees in the provinces of Hoa Binh and Ha Tay.

"Although Ha Noi National University and the provinces have tried their best and achieved some remarkable results in completing the first phase of the project from 2003 to 2007, their weakness is using old methods," said Nhan.

Therefore in May, Ha Noi National University needs to work with leaders of the various ministries involved to propose the Government change the way the project is being implemented.

To speed up work, the university also needs to co-operate with the two provinces to finish land clearances and resettlement by the end of this year.

The names of cultural celebrities will be used for the buildings and parks at the new establishment.

"From every vantage point, it is necessary to be reminded of Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), the first university in the nation," said Nhan.

The new university will be an interdisciplinary, multifaceted centre of quality for undergraduate and graduate training, scientific and technological research - and the harmonious combination of training, scientific research and technology transfer.

Plans for the project in the urban areas of Mieu Mon, Xuan Mai, Hoa Lac and Ha Tay were approved by the Government in 2002 and a pre-feasibility study approved in 2003.

Ha Noi National University will occupy 1000 ha of land and cost about VND7,230bil (US$451.8mil).

The project is planned for completion in 2015.

(Source: Viet Nam News)