Imphal, September 16: A two-week multidisciplinary refresher course focusing on leadership, academic administration and legal excellence in higher education began at Manipur University on Wednesday, bringing together 53 teachers and administrative officers.
The course, titled “Leadership, Academic Administration and Legal Excellence in Higher Education,” is being organised by the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (UGC-MMTTC), Manipur University, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It will continue until September 28.
Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, attended the inaugural programme at the MIMS Auditorium as the chief guest. UGC-MMTTC Director Prof. R.K. Bhubon Singh presided over the function, while MIMS Director Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei attended as the guest of honour.
Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei said the programme was designed after detailed discussions to introduce participants to different dimensions of leadership. Leadership, he said, should not be viewed only in a political context, as academic and administrative institutions also require capable leaders for their effective functioning and development.
Prof. R.K. Bhubon Singh described effective leadership as the foundation of a successful higher education institution. He said academic leaders must provide a clear vision, promote academic excellence and innovation, and create an environment supportive of teaching, learning, research and community engagement.
Institutional leaders must also demonstrate integrity, transparency and accountability while being capable of inspiring faculty members, students and administrative staff, he said. He added that leadership in higher education must continuously adapt to technological developments and emerging challenges.
Prof. Memcha Loitongbam welcomed the inclusion of administrative officers alongside teachers in the refresher course. She noted that most refresher courses are generally organised for teachers, while the present programme recognises the important role played by administrators in higher education institutions.
She said the combination of teachers and administrative officers would enrich the learning process. She also appreciated the inclusion of group discussions and case-based exercises, which would allow the participants to examine practical institutional and administrative challenges.
The course will cover the National Education Policy 2020, leadership theories and practices, quality teaching and research, institutional ranking, entrepreneurship, stress management, effective communication, law and governance, research ethics, Indian Knowledge Systems, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and organisational team-building.
Dr Phalguni Konjengbam delivered the vote of thanks at the inaugural programme.
