A university undercover

The story of the erstwhile The Global Open University (TGOU), now rebranded as International University, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of mismanagement and ideological exploitation in educational institutions. Once a beacon of hope for skill development and informal education in Nagaland, established in 2007 under the Nagaland state act and recognized by the UGC, the university has devolved into a hub of controversy, raising serious concerns about its practices and governance. Initially supported by the NPF government, TGOU was expected to contribute significantly to the educational landscape of Nagaland. However, the tide has turned, with the NPF now accusing the institution of aligning with “clandestine tactics of RSS policies.” This accusation gained traction when the university named its central library after Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS founder. This issue was earlier raised by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and has also drawn sharp criticism from the NPF as well. Critics view this as an attempt to propagate communal ideology, which is particularly concerning in Nagaland’s predominantly Christian context. The Pro-Chancellor of the International University, Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi’s active promotion of Vishwa Hindu Vidyapeeth and his advocacy for universities that propagate Hindu philosophies, through YouTube have further fueled these concerns. This ideological shift raises questions about the university’s commitment to academic neutrality, a principle essential for fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment. The situation takes a sinister turn with allegations of outright fraud made by Rev. Motso Ngullie, a founding supporter, who now accuses Dr. Trivedi of scamming him, involving shifting of the campus away from Wokha. More alarmingly, in 2015, the Punjab police arrested Dr. Trivedi and his associates for operating a sophisticated degree mill, issuing over 30,000 fake degrees across India. While the university denies involvement, these incidents have led to legal scrutiny and raised doubts about the validity of its degrees. The university’s non-traditional structure, offering courses to private, external, and non-collegiate students, while innovative, has created vulnerabilities that appear to have been exploited for financial gain. This setup, intended to broaden access to education, instead facilitated alleged fraudulent activities, undermining the trust in the institution. These controversies extend beyond mere administrative missteps, pointing to systemic issues of criminal offenses, unethical practices, and ideological manipulation. The implications for students are profound, with their educational futures and career prospects at risk. The root cause of this crisis lies in a failure of governmental oversight, with political interests influencing accreditation processes without applying due diligence. This lapse has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the university’s reputation but also the broader educational ecosystem in Nagaland. The state government must act decisively to address these issues. Comprehensive investigations, stronger regulatory frameworks, and transparent oversight mechanisms are essential to restore the integrity of Nagaland’s educational system. Educational institutions must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not tools for fraud or ideological manipulation. The unraveling of International University serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of manipulation of political influence and the exploitation of educational institutions for personal or ideological gain. The government must intervene to protect students and ensure that education remains a cornerstone of societal progress. The time for action is now-before more students fall victim to this educational deception.