Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla addressed the 32nd Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Regional Centre, Imphal at Asha Hall, Asha-Jina Complex in Imphal on Wednesday, according to a DIPR Manipur report.
The main convocation of the University was held at Delhi campus with Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu addressing the convocation.
An exhibition was also inaugurated by the Governor as part of the convocation organized by the Regional Centre, Imphal.
In her address, Dr Heptulla said that the occasion is a golden opportunity to share thoughts and views on higher education in a unique forum where almost all stakeholders are present – students, teachers, academicians, researchers, some policy makers both past and present and outstanding members of civil society.
Congratulating the professors and staff of the University who are behind the success of the students in some way or the other, the Governor said that convocation is a great time of celebration for the University graduates, their families and friends.
The University recognizes the hard work, perseverance and dedication of students by awarding them degrees, the Governor said.
The University, established by an Act of Parliament in the year 1985, with the main objective to promote open and distance education system in the country, has been constantly trying to bring about democratization in higher education and provide quality education irrespective of age, religion, gender and region.
Apart from catering to the educational aspirations of millions of students worldwide through its 21 schools of studies, 67 regional centres and four sub-regional centres across the country, the University has a significant international presence with a networking of 12 overseas study centres.
One can have a fair idea about its popularity from the fact that in 2017-18, enrolment status of the University was above 10,72,000, she added.
Regional director Dr S J Neethirajan of IGNOU Regional Centre; Imphal, assistant regional director, Dr Oinam Jayalakshmi Devi of IGNOU Regional Centre, Imphal; assistant regional director Dr Mayonmi Shimray of IGNOU regional centre, Imphal; faculty members and students attended the convocation ceremony.
Certificates to 1694 PG diploma, diploma and degree learners in different courses were also distributed during the day’s convocation ceremony.