Universities Urged to Strengthen Industry Collaboration and Focus on Research Excellence
The IT and HRD Minister, Nara Lokesh, called on universities to strengthen their engagement with industry to ensure students are equipped with relevant, job-ready skills. Speaking at an academic event in Vijayawada, he stressed the importance of periodically updating curricula to match rapid technological and economic changes. Lokesh highlighted the need for higher educational institutions to become financially self-reliant by building strong alumni networks that can support infrastructure development, research, and student initiatives. He also encouraged universities to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-based learning through closer collaboration with corporate partners.
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, who also addressed the gathering, emphasised the significance of improving National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings. He urged universities to focus on quality research, development, and innovation to gain global recognition. Both leaders underlined that academic excellence, industry linkage, and research-driven growth are essential for strengthening India’s higher education ecosystem.
