The Nagpur regional centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has tripled its enrollment compared to last year due to its expanding study centres and course innovations. From just over 700 students in the last academic session, IGNOU's ranks have now swelled to 2,012 students. The open university will hold its 27th convocation on April 16.
IGNOU's regional director P Sivaswaroop said, "In the last five years of our operations in Nagpur, we have constantly strived to enhance the quality of services provided. It is now not just about giving a degree or education but about lending a helping hand for employment. IGNOU went to the most remote areas of Gadchiroli and reached out to tribals there. Students enrolled for a specific certificate course and that has now enabled them to get employment in hospitals."
In Nagpur, the number of study centres have also been steadily increasing, thus helping to reach increasing number of students. "We started with 10 centres and now the figure has touched 48. These will keep on increasing as more and more people are keen on upgrading their education," he said. TOI was the first newspaper to report on IGNOU's plans to expand in the hinterland and take "employable education" to the tribals.
Innovating and adapting to the needs of modern students have been the key to success, according to Sivaswaroop. On convocation day, at New Delhi, Sivaswaroop will be receiving a national gold medal for innovation in open and distance learning. "This is a prestigious award among all state open universities and distance education centres of conventional varsities. The medal is being given in recognition for the job placement and vocational courses provided to Gadchiroli tribal students, and for innovative concept in learner support services in distance education," said Sivaswaroop.
Two convicts among degree recipients
The diversity of graduates passing out from IGNOU is reflected from this year's list that includes two convicts lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Both 40 year-olds are serving life sentence and have successfully completed their MA in sociology. IGNOU has written to prison authorities seeking the duo's presence at the local convocation ceremony but so far has not received any reply.
IGNOU's regional director P Sivaswaroop said, "In the last five years of our operations in Nagpur, we have constantly strived to enhance the quality of services provided. It is now not just about giving a degree or education but about lending a helping hand for employment. IGNOU went to the most remote areas of Gadchiroli and reached out to tribals there. Students enrolled for a specific certificate course and that has now enabled them to get employment in hospitals."
In Nagpur, the number of study centres have also been steadily increasing, thus helping to reach increasing number of students. "We started with 10 centres and now the figure has touched 48. These will keep on increasing as more and more people are keen on upgrading their education," he said. TOI was the first newspaper to report on IGNOU's plans to expand in the hinterland and take "employable education" to the tribals.
Innovating and adapting to the needs of modern students have been the key to success, according to Sivaswaroop. On convocation day, at New Delhi, Sivaswaroop will be receiving a national gold medal for innovation in open and distance learning. "This is a prestigious award among all state open universities and distance education centres of conventional varsities. The medal is being given in recognition for the job placement and vocational courses provided to Gadchiroli tribal students, and for innovative concept in learner support services in distance education," said Sivaswaroop.
Two convicts among degree recipients
The diversity of graduates passing out from IGNOU is reflected from this year's list that includes two convicts lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Both 40 year-olds are serving life sentence and have successfully completed their MA in sociology. IGNOU has written to prison authorities seeking the duo's presence at the local convocation ceremony but so far has not received any reply.
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