The Konyak Student Union (KSU) has expressed disappointment at the statement made by the Chief Minister on 2nd November 2024 regarding the poor enrolment at New Model College, Wakching, Mon district, and urged the Nagaland Government to take “full responsibility for the ongoing challenges” at the College.
Highlighting the “failure” of the Government in fulfilling its responsibility of providing quality science education, the KSU said that the Government’s neglect has directly hindered the academic growth of aspiring students and left the college effectively non-functional.
In a press statement, the Union mentioned that the foundation stone for New Model College, Wakching, was laid on 27th June 2015 and the institution was formally inaugurated on 3rd February 2019. Despite this early promise, 5 years elapsed without substantial progress, and only after persistent demands and pleas from the Konyak Students’ Union did the Government take action in 2023, it stated.
The Union claimed that the lone Science College in the area started with only Principal and no teaching faculty and that upon enrolling, “they quickly realized the college lacked the necessary academic staff, without teachers for core subjects like Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, students were forced to reconsider, with most choosing not to pursue admission.” It highlighted that only two students enrolled initially and were subsequently transferred to Kohima Science College (KSC).
“This academic year (2024), several students expressed interest in joining but again, without teachers for essential subjects, the situation remains bleak. Currently, the college has only managed to admit 7 students in Botany and Zoology, a stark indicator of the college’s inability to offer a full science curriculum”, it said.
Further, the Union said that the recent appointment of only two Assistant Professor at the New Model College underscores this lack of commitment, further affecting students’ career prospects and academic progress.
The Union questioned if it is reasonable to expect students to enroll in an institution that is without adequate teaching staff. It also said that the College has no staff quarters and that the asst. professors were facing untold hardship due to the poor infrastructures.
It noted that it is the” Government’s duty to ensure faculty appointments are made prior to the start of each academic session, enabling a smooth and effective educational experience for all” and called for immediate action.
