St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama strives for autonomous status
Jakhama, July 29 (MExN): Chairman of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Ali today said that St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama is one of the best institutions not only in Nagaland but in the whole country, while stating surprise to find such a prestigious college in this remote tribal area giving humanitarian service to the people.
Speaking at the Exit Meeting Programme that culminates the 3-day visit of the NAAC Peer Team at the College Indoor Stadium this morning, he said the team has gone through every aspect of NAAC and judiciously assessed the performance of the college.
In the last three days, the Team comprising Prof. Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Ali (Chairman), Prof. Dr. Sushil Kumar Dutta (Coordinator), and Prof. Dr. Edwin Gnanadhas visited all the areas, including sports area, hostels, health centre, which he termed “all super.” On visiting the different departments, he said, all the staff are very young, energetic, enthusiastic, learned and are qualified teachers. He further lauded the excellent presentation in each and every department.
The Chairman said all the criteria with the exception of one or two areas that fall under NAAC are found to be strong in the college and emphasized that they need to put in all efforts to see that the college gets the autonomous status. Giving a few pointers, he encouraged the college to introduce PG courses, and also appealed to the principal and the college authority to motivate the teachers to finish their Ph.D programs as well as qualify for NET. He also called for organizing more seminars, and inviting prominent personalities to further enhance the quality of the institution. “The college is good, students are good, but if you want competition in this world, you need to have much exposure,” he added.
He said there is good scope to introduce vocational courses in the college and advised that the college can have a centre for Naga Tribal Culture, a Naga Tribe Museum, etc, while impressing upon that there are many innovative things that the college can come up with.
On the other hand, he said that even the Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education, the Secretary as well as the Governor of Nagaland have shown keen interest in the institution. He further lauded the excellent and strong infrastructure of the college, and said this, combined with the commitment of the teachers, dedication and discipline of the students and their performance, will enable St. Joseph’s College to achieve greater heights.
In this regard, he congratulated the principal of the college, who, he said is taking constant pain, and has strategically prepared and meticulously planned everything while also extending his appreciation to the vice principal, the administrator and the staff. He added he was particularly impressed with the cultural programme held in their honor on Wednesday and termed it as extraordinary with super performances by the students. Towards this end, he expressed his profound gratitude to the college for the love and affection that has touched their hearts from day one. “I am so much impressed with the hospitality, love and kindness…there are no words to express,” he stated. In the meantime, he exuded hope that the college will get NAAC accreditation for autonomous in the days to come.
Principal of the college, Rev. Dr. Fr. Sebastian said the NAAC Peer Team has guided and strengthened them in the last few days while adding that they are real professionals, who are tough but gentle, and idealistic but realistic. He also stated that they have made the college aware of both its strength and weaknesses. Further, to the students, he said, “you are our best bet, our hope and pride and our heritage.”
The final document was also handed over to the principal of the college- Rev. Dr. Fr. Sebastian by the NAAC Chairman, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Ali during the Exit Meeting Programme. The report will be further processed in the National Head Office for NAAC at Bangalore. Earlier, vice-principal of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Rev. Fr. Rozü Anthony delivered the welcome address, while the programme was chaired by Wetsoü Kapfo.
