Niuland district gets its first secular college

DIMAPUR — Niuland district has got its first secular college with Minister of PHED and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi inaugurating it on Saturday.

The said institute named ‘Platinum College’ is located at Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) Resource Centre in Nihokhü village. It’s set up and solely funded by the WSBAK in commemoration of its platinum jubilee celebration in 2022.

Secretary of Planning And Development, WSBAK, Hetovi Ayemi, informed that the college has 12 teaching faculty and a total of 104 students enrolled for the first batch this year.

The college offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music courses, with 12 students pursuing the latter.

Ayemi said that the college will also start skill development, hospitality and other diploma courses, as affiliation with the University Grants Commission (UGC) requires multi-disciplinary courses.

The institute also has two hostels — one each for boys and girls – with plans to expand.

‘Unemployment due to lack of vocational skills’

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Jacob Zhimomi lauded the WSBAK for its initiative in establishing the college, saying that it will go a long way in shaping not only the careers of students but also their lives.

He expressed optimism that Platinum College campus, which is spread over 68 acres, will provide the perfect environment for academic, personal as well as spiritual development.

On the issue of rising unemployment in the state, he said one major reason is due to the lack of vocational skills among the youth, while underscoring the need for better decision-making in the subjects offered to students.

The minister also suggested prioritising technical subjects and qualifications, noting that Science and Mathematics are in high demand.

He urged students to become self-reliant and financially independent rather than remain dependent on others. To achieve job security, he advised them to focus on their strengths and groom themselves in the fields they are good at.

Zhimomi further said that dedication and focus are crucial for success in any field.

Several dignitaries including Advisor for IT and Communication, Economics and Statistics and Evaluation, H Sethrongkhyu Sangtam; Advisor of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, A Pangjung Jamir; and MLA Imtichoba attended the programme.

The Platinum College concept was shared by Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary of WSBAK, while the principal of the institute, K Kalito Chishi, released the college anthem.