Arunachal higher education has come under renewed focus as Governor Om Prakash Mathur called for improving quality and empowering young students to meet the challenges of a changing world. Speaking at a higher education review meeting in Itanagar, the Governor urged universities and colleges across the state to prioritize academic excellence, employability, and innovation. He emphasized that education should not only impart knowledge but also prepare youth to lead the nation toward progress.
Governor Mathur, who also serves as the constitutional head of all state universities, expressed concern over declining academic standards and limited research output. He said that while infrastructure in higher institutions has improved, there remains an urgent need to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning.
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Governor stresses on skill-oriented education
During the meeting, the Governor highlighted that higher education must move beyond textbook learning. He pointed out that the state’s youth possess immense potential, which must be nurtured through modern, skill-oriented education.
He suggested that universities introduce more vocational and technical programs that align with local employment needs. “We must make education relevant to real-world challenges. Our universities should prepare students not just for jobs but for entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation,” the Governor remarked.
He also urged educational institutions to collaborate with industries, research organizations, and national universities. Such partnerships, he said, could help students gain exposure and access to skill development programs that are essential in today’s competitive environment.
Need for faculty training and innovation
The Governor underscored that improving faculty quality is essential for upgrading education standards. He recommended regular teacher training programs, academic exchange opportunities, and workshops to encourage innovative teaching methods.
He noted that teachers must serve as mentors and role models for students, guiding them toward critical thinking and problem-solving. “A good teacher shapes not only the intellect but also the character of a student. We must invest in teacher development to achieve excellence in higher education,” Mathur said.
He further added that universities should integrate technology-driven teaching tools to make classrooms more interactive and effective. The adoption of digital resources, smart classrooms, and online learning platforms can bridge the gap between rural and urban institutions.
Focus on research and innovation culture
Governor Mathur also emphasized the importance of promoting a strong research culture in universities. He pointed out that research and innovation are the backbones of higher education and play a crucial role in solving local as well as global issues.
He encouraged institutions to focus on research projects related to the unique biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable development of Arunachal Pradesh. According to him, supporting local innovation can help the state emerge as a leader in eco-friendly development and conservation.
“Arunachal has vast natural resources and rich cultural heritage. If our universities lead in research on these areas, we can contribute to both knowledge creation and state development,” he said.
Youth empowerment through education
Highlighting youth as the driving force of progress, the Governor urged the government and academic institutions to prioritize youth empowerment initiatives. He said education should give young people the confidence to become responsible citizens, innovators, and change-makers.
He called on universities to organize leadership workshops, entrepreneurship summits, and cultural exchanges to broaden students’ perspectives. “Empowering youth through education means giving them opportunities to think freely, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he noted.
He also mentioned that career counseling and placement support should be strengthened so that students are better guided toward their goals. Special focus should be placed on empowering young women through higher education and leadership training programs.
Strengthening higher education infrastructure
While appreciating the efforts of the state government to expand higher education access, the Governor stressed that physical infrastructure alone cannot ensure quality learning. He encouraged better utilization of funds under central and state education schemes to improve laboratory facilities, libraries, and research centers.
He also directed the education department to ensure timely completion of pending infrastructure projects and the recruitment of qualified faculty. “We must ensure that every student studying in Arunachal receives an education of national standards,” he added.
In this regard, he appreciated the initiatives of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal University of Studies, and the newly upgraded government colleges for expanding academic opportunities in remote areas.
Collaboration with NEP 2020 framework
Governor Mathur reiterated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a roadmap for transforming higher education. He encouraged institutions to adopt the NEP framework, which promotes multidisciplinary learning, flexibility in courses, and research-based education.
He also advised universities to introduce regional language learning and cultural studies programs that reflect the diverse heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. This, he said, would not only preserve local culture but also strengthen identity and pride among students.
The Governor stated that implementing NEP 2020 effectively would require collective efforts from the government, teachers, students, and administrators. He assured that Raj Bhavan would extend full support to ensure smooth implementation across all state universities.
A call for collective responsibility
In his concluding remarks, Governor Mathur urged all stakeholders to work collectively toward transforming Arunachal’s higher education system. He reminded everyone that education is the foundation of a developed and self-reliant state.
“Let us commit to nurturing quality, integrity, and innovation in our education system. Our youth must be equipped not only with knowledge but also with values and a vision for a better Arunachal,” he said.
The meeting ended with a consensus to organize periodic reviews to assess progress in the higher education sector. With the Governor’s vision focusing on quality and empowerment, Arunachal Pradesh aims to build an education system that fosters excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth for the generations ahead.
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