Make subjects and syllabus relevant to the need of the state – Dr. Ashwani Krumar –
Nagaland Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar Friday said it was high time to establish vibrant training and employment cells in all colleges and university departments in the state that would help teachers to improve and realize whether the knowledge imparted was useful for the growth of individual and development of the state.
Addressing the 20th Foundation Day of the Nagaland University (NU) at Kohima Campus, Merima as the chief guest, Dr. Ashwani who is also the chief rector of the university said delay in taking corrective action by not recasting the curriculum and courses, would be doing “injustice” to the students.
He urged the academics, politicians and civil society organizations to start undertaking the task in right earnest.
Kumar asserted that in order to improve the quality of education and make subjects and syllabus relevant to the need of the state, he said there was an urgent need to align the teaching to issues of livelihood and employment.
Concentration on agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, fishery, horticulture, hospitality, music, marketing and management was highly required, the governor emphasized.
Highlighting the state of education, the governor said out of 58colleges under NU, there were only 8 colleges having NAAC accreditation. Out of the 8, only two colleges qualified for Grade ‘A’ and the rest have been placed in Grade ‘B’, the governor informed.
Dr. Ashwani said it was time to take the challenges seriously and said after 50 years of statehood and more than 20 years of university existence, one could not keep blaming others and find excuses for poor performances.
He asserted that the monthly statistics of increasing unemployment where more than 60,000 youths were waiting for employment, mostly educated, was indication of “a disturbing society.” He added that if the trend continued, the future of “our own children” would be harmed.
While congratulating NU for attaining 20th year of the university existence, Governor also urged to revisit the plans and programmes and formulate new strategies to achieve the goals.
NU pro-vice, Kohima Campus Prof. A Lanunungsang in his welcome note said NU has 36 departments and three recognized campus in Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema.
While welcoming the gathering, the pro-vice chancellor also regretted that Kohima Campus Merima that lies 700 meters away from the National Highway did not have a two-lane road and internet connection. He said the university was also not secured.