Dr Asangba Tzudir
More often, quality of infrastructure and its associated development are taken as the parameter that defines growth and progress. For a University, very broadly, it is generally the Infrastructure, the result and outcomes. This is true even for Nagaland University which has further slipped down in the annual University rankings given by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). While there are five broad parameters within which NIRF defines the university ranking, it ‘ignores’ the most important parameter which otherwise can truly judge the health, growth and development of a University which is governance. Infrastructure is a vital component but without good governance, that too will crumble.
Looking at the ‘bureaucratic’ system of governance and the rank climbing system, there is need for systemic changes and one that is not a superficial one. This calls for structural changes by going beyond the bureaucratic system. This will bring in expertise and an air of freshness and dynamism into the existing structure and go beyond the rigid compartmentalized walls. Good governance is a very integral component for the quality growth of a University because the functioning of a University is much more complicated than buying-selling mode of business. And therefore, there should be in place a system of good governance that is visionary in its approach and not one that only limits growth. For good governance to set in, there has to be a clear and proper vision and a mission statement, and human resources should be directed towards this vision. It is not anything else but slow death if the university continues to stay limited within its own standard and thereby remains stagnant. With good governance in place, it is already assured of the quality of decision making, an integral aspect which lies at the heart of good governance.
One of the issues of good governance is the management and allocation of resources. This is a very challenging aspect considering the fact that Nagaland University has its headquarters at Lumami Campus in Zunheboto, two other permanent campuses at Kohima and Medziphema, and a temporary campus at Dimapur. While geography also matters a lot, one can think about the difficulties in management of the various campuses. Even without going into the details resources are bound to get depleted due to maintenance of the various campuses. This is one major issue that lies at the heart of governance.
Another component which the Nagaland University needs to give due attention is the research component. It is the quality of research which also determines the quality of the University. With UGC now having made mandatory to have a PhD degree for those desiring to teach in colleges, more attention needs to be given to facilitate in-depth doctoral research studies and not just for the sake of attaining the degree for purpose of employment.
However, what is more important is for Nagaland University to have a proper Centre for research that would help generate academic discourses and one that will even help create positive impact on policy making at various levels including the government. Having such a centre will help go beyond one time or term collaborations but one that would facilitate lasting relationships with other universities across the globe. Having such a research centre offering different research programmes will help create avenues for visiting scholars and visiting professors instead of following a regimental routine. This can be done under various partnership programmes for real academic purpose and not partnering or collaborating for financial aid. Specific area studies that generate interest of global academia like cross cultural studies should be the target areas of the research centre.
Further, in the last few years quite a lot of private universities have come up in Nagaland and with their system and approach being different, it is growing at a good pace. But conversely, the latest NIRF ranking of Nagaland University has fallen down further. Even as other private universities in the state grow, Nagaland University should not only grow qualitatively but also let the government colleges grow. One small step is by way of encouraging Post-Graduate programme in the colleges.
Someone once said, “Philosophy is a dead subject” in response to a query on the absence of Philosophy department in Nagaland University. In consideration of the relevance of the subject of Philosophy such a bad faith statement defies all logical reasoning. This is just a point of reference to the grey areas, and one that also shows the lack of proper vision. As such, it is time for Nagaland University to initiate a serious discussion from within and also engaging other resource persons beginning with the issues associated with good governance, not for the sake of the poor ranking but in consideration of delivering quality in all aspects that comes within the domain of an established University.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
