‘Educational institutions must prepare students for a borderless job market’

November 13, 2024 4 Views No Comment

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, NOVEMBER 13 (MExN): The Nagaland College Principals Association (NCPA) convened its Annual Conference at Norman Putsure College, Chümoukedima, on November 12. The conference, held under the theme “Building a Culture of Excellence: Enhancing Institutional Effectiveness,” brought together educational leaders to discuss the future of higher education in Nagaland and the Northeast.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Darlando Thanmi Kathing, Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Christian University (NECU), focused on the need to build a culture of excellence in both new and existing institutions.

Prof Kathing, in his speech, focused on two points-identifying areas in higher education to build cultures of excellence and how to go about trying to address those subjects and areas.

“With advancements in technology and globalization, studies such as nanotechnology, which although may require high investment are peaking. Other areas that institutions can tap into considering the land and history of Nagaland are studies related to biodiversity, flora and fauna, medicinal plants, music, culture and identity. We are very well suited to do research on this in our State,” he underscored.

Prof Kathing also discussed the challenges posed by globalization, particularly the increasing demand for skills that are not just technical but also involve competencies such as adaptability, leadership, and interpersonal communication. He emphasized that to prepare graduates for the workplace, educators must equip students with both technical and soft skills.

Prof Kathing also said educational institutions must ensure that students are ready for a borderless job market.

“The intention of the Look East Policy to focus on South East Asia, although yet to make progress, is a means for us to look both global and local. As educationists we must prepare our youth for the flow of trade and commerce. The present education system is directly dependent on job opportunities. Jobs and education have become borderless,” he stated. “We can now go online and pursue courses; if we aren’t aware of that we’ll be left out and our students will seek empowerment from elsewhere,” he added.

Calls for better funding for Nagaland colleges
In an exhortation, Prof Visakhono Hibo, Principal of Japfu Christian College emphasized that NCPA is not an organization focused on agitation, but rather one dedicated to improving the educational landscape in the region. “We must understand who we are, what we do, and what we should be doing as an educated body,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of aligning NCPA’s efforts with the needs of the state government to secure better funding for colleges, Prof Hibo pointed out the disparity in resources between colleges in Nagaland and those in other states, particularly in terms of faculty support and funding.

“The Government of Nagaland has placed us as Grant-in-Aid Colleges that enable us to get meager funding from UGC but we need to be in the category of Aided Colleges to be eligible for more funding,” she said.

She further emphasized the need for a more unified approach to addressing the challenges faced by students, especially those from remote areas. “We need to become the voice and think tank for higher education in Nagaland,” she urged.

The afternoon session was led by Dr Gopal Chetri, Principal of Sazolie College, who facilitated the business hour. Dr Vitsosie Vüprü, Principal of Kohima College, Kohima, delivered the presidential address.

The session also featured reports from NCPA General Secretary Dr Hewasa L. Khing and Treasurer Dr Lichumo Enie, followed by a discussion hour where attendees shared insights and strategies for advancing higher education in the state.