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Nagaland University, Kohima

Introduction

SECTION - I: INTRODUCTION
The Nagaland University came into existence as a Central University on 6th September, 1994 with its Headquarters at Kohima and the proposed Headquarters at Lumami. The Nagaland University inherited from the North Eastern Hill University 5 Post Graduate departments at Kohima and 12 departments of B.Sc.(Agri) including 4 Post Graduate departments at School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASARD), at Medziphema. During the IXth Plan period the University has created 1 PG department at Kohima, upgraded 5 UG departments to PG level at SASARD, at Medziphema Campus and created 7 new PG departments at its proposed Head Quarters at Lumami. Since the academic session 1997-98 Lumami campus started functioning and has been growing up to become the Headquarters of the University. The University has jurisdiction over the entire state with 40 affiliated colleges located in different parts of the state with 15000 students. The Medziphema Campus has 250 acres of land and the Lumami Campus has 801.96 acres of land.

The Peer Team comprising Prof. K.L. Kamal, Former Vice-Chancellor, Rajasthan University as Chairperson, Prof. A.K. Pattanayak, Professor of History, Beharampur University, Prof. S. Suryaprakash, Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Prof. G. Palanithurai, Professor of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram and Dr. K.K. Deka, Registrar, Diburgarh University, Assam as members and Shri. B. S. Madhukar, Deputy Adviser, NAAC as the Coordinator. The team visited the University from 5th to 8th December 2002 in order to validate the Self Study Report submitted by the University for the purpose of Assessment and Accreditation.

The Peer Team formed into two groups, visited all the departments in the three campuses, held intensive discussions with the teaching and non-teaching staff, representatives of students, Principals of affiliated colleges, Alumni and the Members of the Executive Council as part of its effort to validate the Self Study Report. Mr. Alemtemshi Jamir, Principal Secretary-cum-Development Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland called on the peer team and expressed his concern for the sustenance of academic culture and values and the promotion of standards in the Universities and colleges and also emphasized on the need for assessment and accreditation for the Universities and the colleges.

Based on the above, and within the framework of the criteria determined by the NAAC, the team made a comprehensive assessment of the university and all its activities, under the seven criteria laid down by the NAAC. The important features of the university as also the matters of concern, are brought out in this report.

SECTION - 2 : CRITERION-WISE ANALYSIS
CRITERION - I : Curricular Aspects
The Nagaland University offers B. Sc. (Agri), M. Sc. (Agri), M. A., M. Sc. programmes in the 25 University Departments. Scholars are pursuing research leading to Ph.D degree in ten departments. Undergraduate degrees are being offered through the affiliated colleges. The University is offering career oriented degrees both at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Arts, Science, Commerce, Agriculture, Education and Law. The curricular contents are reviewed and updated through regular board of studies and Expert Committees by consulting National Curricular Sources including UGC.

The University follows semester pattern in the University Departmental programmes and annual pattern in affiliated colleges. IT input is lacking in the curricular aspects. Regular extension activity and field visits have to be made inbuilt in the curricula itself in order to enable the students to understand fully theory and practice of the subjects which they learn. Interface programme with the community would enhance the capability of the students.

The University offers a variety of courses with emphasis on Agriculture oriented courses. The University has set up 4 Schools as School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development, School of Humanities & Education, School of Sciences and School of Social Sciences. The University lays emphasis on Agriculture, Local area culture and community oriented/job oriented courses. The University follows Semester system of examination at Postgraduate level with 25% internal assessment comprising assignments, study tours/field works (wherever necessary) and Seminars. At PG level all the examiners of the semester examinations are external. The University publishes annual Academic Calendar for the conduct of various examinations, which is normally followed and results are declared within a reasonable time. Courses of studies in 18 out of 25 departments have been revised as per the guidelines circulated by the UGC/ICAR. Feedback of the stakeholders and employees could be utilized effectively to make the programme vibrant and to attract students for the programmes offered in the university.

CRITERION - II : Teaching - Learning and Evaluation
The University has 272 working days out of which 211 are teaching days. The University depends on the part-time faculty for 50% of its classes. The curriculum in 18 out of 25 departments have been restructured as per UGC/ICAR guidelines. Semester pattern is being followed. The examinations are held twice in a year in semester pattern in University Departments and annually in affiliating colleges. Students have three levels of learning experiences in this University namely classroom teaching, assignment works and presenting seminars on the theme assigned to the individuals. Evaluation is done both internally and externally at the ratio of 25:75 respectively. For agricultural and Rural Development programmes, separate norms are being followed for internal assessment following the pattern of ICAR. Only 53% of the faculty members have one step higher qualification than mandatory minimum level. There are enough scope for establishing vibrant linkages with centers of excellence through web based programme. The departments of Geology, Botany, Chemistry and Animal Production & Management are doing commendable academic activities. The department of Education is also doing good work in the research as well as extension activities. Many of the departments are understaffed, which affects teaching though the same is being managed by visiting faculty. Though by and large instruction has been by means of face-to-face interactions efforts should be made to adopt innovative teaching methods in classrooms with help of latest teaching aids. It has to be impressed upon the teaching staff that with the UGC's latest emphasis on the conventional and the open systems being streamed together, teacher should offer more flexible pattern of courses and also incorporate multimedia packages and teaching aids for their classroom instructions.

It has, however, been found that in an area which is predominantly populated by Tribals no institutionalized system of addressing the special needs of this cross section of the society has been evolved. An important feature of the University is that the self-appraisal method of evaluation has been put into operation which, however, should be made annual. Another very important aspect of the examination system, which makes the mechanism transparent, is the re-evaluation. This builds into the system certain safeguards. Co curricular activities could be initiated to make the overall personality of the student.

CRITERION - III : Research, Consultancy and Extension
The University encourages research, consultancy and extension activities. Some teachers have taken up research assignments apart from teaching. 107 scholars are pursuing their programme leading to Ph. D. degree. Some of the departments have tapped the resource potential of ICAR, CSIR, DBT and DST for their research through projects. Departments can make use of a variety of programmes of UGC to increase the research activities in the Departments.

Research publications in the form of books, articles and report are the indicators of research development. Research output is not impressive in terms of publications. A research advisory committee could be formed to ignite the research potentiality available in the University. A vast potential is untapped in collaborative research with foreign countries and with others specialized agencies and other Universities of the country.

Extension is yet another area which would attract the attention of all. The Departments are yet to utilise their potentiality in developing approaches and devices of extension and carrying out the extension activities. There are many areas which the departments could take up for extension activities to realise the objectives of the University. An approach paper could be prepared for extension and it could be thoroughly discussed in a faculty seminar and action programme could be chalked out. Departments could work with NGO's which are working in the areas concerned.

CRITERION - IV : Infrastructure and Learning Resources
The University has three campuses. The Kohima campus is functioning in government and rented buildings. However, these buildings are inadequate and many of them are in bad shape. The Medziphema campus has buildings of its own which are not adequate to cater to the needs of 12 departments. The Lumami campus is yet to come up fully. The maintenance of buildings at Medziphema and Lumami campus is reasonably satisfactory.

The university is yet to create adequate infrastructure to meet the requirements. All the three campuses of the university are having central library facility. Most of the departments do not have departmental libraries though a very few of them have small collection of books. All the three central libraries require adequate space, more number of textbooks and journals, recent edition of the books and reading room facility.

It is noteworthy that the INFLIBNET and networking has been introduced in the central libraries. The university is yet to develop a Computer Centre though most of the departments have been provided with computers that are being used minimally by the students as these are not sufficient to cater to the needs of the students and faculty.

The university may initiate steps for providing networking and Internet facilities. Laboratories in the departments of Zoology, Soil Conservation and Agricultural Economy do not have adequate equipments and space. The university has health care facilities at Kohima and Medziphema campuses.

The university has a Sports Board which organizes tournaments and coaches teams in seven events. The sports facilities need augmentation like courts earmarked for indoor and outdoor games. Hostel facilities for Boys and Girls exist in all the campuses but more hostels may be required.

The University has minimum infrastructural facilities. The facilities available are utilized judiciously. Yet the requirement is not only the buildings but also equipments. Computer facility is the most important one. Connectivity enhances the capacity and capability of individuals and organizations. Computer Centre and browsing Centre are essential for faculty and students. Each department should have a small library for ready reference for the faculty, scholars and students.

CRITERION - V : Students Support Progression
The students of the university often go over to other universities like JNU and DU for further studies. Majority of the students of the job oriented courses like Geology, Education, Commerce, Agriculture, etc. get suitable placements. It maintains a record of 80% pass in University examinations and drop out rate of 20%. So far 25 students have qualified the NET/JRF conducted by the UGC. The Alumni Association has been recently formed which is taking keen interest in the development of the university. Most of the students enjoy financial support provided by the respective state governments. The university may initiate steps for career counselling and placement guidance.

CRITERION - VI : Organization and Management.
The University functions as per the provisions of the Nagaland University Act, 1989 passed in the Parliament and Statutes. There are several statutory and non-statutory committees through which delegation and devolution of authority is made. His Excellency the President of India is the Visitor, Prof. Yash Pal is the Chancellor, the Hon'ble Governor of Nagaland is the Chief Rector. The Vice-Chancellor is assisted by the various bodies like the Executive Council, the Court, the Planning Board, the Academic Council and the Finance Committee with representatives from various sections including Principals, teaching staff, non-teaching staff, students and eminent citizens.

It is noteworthy that the University lays emphasis on training of Officers. 2% of the total budget is earmarked for the training of Officers who are often sent outside for administrative training. There is a proposal to have a tie-up with the IIM, Kolkata in this connection. The university maintains annual confidential records of the non-teaching staff. The self-appraisal of the teachers are done at the time of promotion which should be made annual. The university follows an open door policy for grievance redressal. The department of Animal Production and Management has generated resources for the university out of its sale proceeds of its products. Other departments may explore the possibilities of consultancy.

CRITERION - VII : Healthy Practices
The following are the healthy practices observed:

The University has students exchange programme.

It imparts value-based education through Human Value Education Cell.

Special programmes are being offered for personality development of the students, sensitising the students on communication skill, utilizing the connectivity facilities for the improvement of the knowledge of the students, developing team spirit, developing perspective on community orientation.

Students are made members of Purchase Committee to purchase books for Library.

SECTION - 3 : OVERALL ANALYSIS
Nagaland University within a short span of time has made its visibility in the academic world by its teaching programmes despite many in-built limitations. It is laying its roadmap to realise the basic objective of preparing the needed manpower to cater to the needs of the people of Nagaland for their social and economic development. The university is concentrating much on teaching programme apart from doing research on certain specific areas. There are vibrant departments such as Botany, Chemistry, Animal Production and Management, Geology and Education setting role models for other departments. The Peer Team is of the option that the university is slowly and steadily geared up to ensure quality education despite the handicaps which deserves appreciation. It needs some corrections in the academic journey and improvement in its research and extension activities so as to enhance the quality of education in the university. They are as follows:-

SECTION - 4 : SUGGESTIONS
Better infrastructural facilities be provided, particularly buildings for the teaching departments. Some of the departments are housed in very shabby buildings.

There is need for large scale computerization. In fact, every student and staff should have access to computer. Everyone should have working knowledge of computer.

Library needs more space, reading rooms and more books, particularly latest editions.

Library should remain open for longer hours so that the students make best use of it.

In certain departments positions have been advertised but not filled up and in certain departments more positions should be created.

The University may take steps to lay more emphasis on research activities and develop a research culture by adopting a consortium approach and entering into collaboration with premier research institutions/Universities of the country. Research activities should be given more emphasis in Social Sciences.

Hostels should be better equipped, more recreational facilities and internet facility should be provided.

Seminars/Workshops should be organized more frequently.

Faculty members may be provided opportunity to attend National/International Seminars and Conferences for greater exposure.

M. Phil. Courses should be included in some of the departments on experimental basis.
Inter-disciplinary activities may be encouraged.

There is a need to encourage the teaching departments for exploring possibilities of obtaining funds from UGC, CSSR. ICHR, ICCR, DST and other funding agencies both National and International.

The University is headed by Prof. G. D. Sharma as Vice-Chancellor. During the short period of his stay the Peer Team noticed that he has given the University community the leadership necessary for coordinated and concerted action for coming forward with a clear definition of their goals and objectives in translating the vision of the University into an academic reality.

The Peer team wishes the University all the best in its endeavour for achieving excellence in all spheres of activity. The Peer team also wishes to record its appreciation for excellent co-operation and goodwill extended to it by Nagaland University.

Prof. K. L. Kamal
(Chairman)

Prof. G.D. Sharma
(Vice-Chancellor)

Dr. A. K. Pattanayak
(Member)

Dr. S. Suryaprakash
(Member)

Dr. G. Palanithurai
(Member)

Dr. K. K. Deka
(Member)