Modern Institute of Teacher Education Kohima holds its 14th graduation ceremony where Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen addresses employment challenges.
DIMAPUR — The Modern Institute of Teacher Education (MITE), Kohima, celebrated its 14th graduation ceremony for the batch of 2024-26 on Monday.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen as the special guest, according to a press release. He also conferred certificates to the graduates.
In his keynote address, Imchen congratulated the graduating student-teachers and highlighted the noble responsibility of educators in preparing young minds for a complex, rapidly changing world. However, he also drew attention to the stark realities of the state's employment landscape.
He noted that the government employment sector is highly saturated, with 1,22,701 government employees out of a population of 19,78,502, resulting in a 6.2% employment ratio. Specifically addressing the teaching profession, he shared that Nagaland has approximately 17,825 teachers serving in the government sector, and only 169 of these teachers are due to retire between August and December 2026.
Meanwhile, the state's eight B.Ed. institutions produce around 650 graduates each year, creating a significant mismatch between supply and demand.
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Broadening the scope, Imchen revealed that between 2022 and 2025, 33,211 students graduated from affiliated institutes in Nagaland, while only 3,197 persons were recruited into state government services. Warning of a structural shift in the labour market toward skills-based recruitment, he stated that candidates possessing a mere degree without specialisation are becoming virtually unemployable.
To bridge this critical gap, the chief secretary urged educational institutions to reform traditional curricula and introduce emerging courses. He highlighted high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, fintech, and Renewable Energy, noting their lucrative remuneration packages. For instance, he shared that data analysts and AI specialists can command salaries ranging from INR 6 lakh to 10 lakh at the entry level, scaling up to INR 30 lakh for senior specialists.
Delivering the welcome address, Principal Kate Dandesh Kumar celebrated the institution's academic record, announcing that MITE produced nine out of the top 20 Nagaland University toppers this year. Securing ranks 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13 (two students), and 14, he noted that the college has maintained a pass percentage of over 96.09% over its last eight batches. Since its inception, MITE has produced a total of 107 Nagaland University rankers and 1,289 teachers for the state.
Addressing the changing educational landscape and the mandates of the National Education Policy 2020, Kumar highlighted the importance of integrating digital literacy and artificial intelligence into the teaching-learning process. To further this goal and align with the chief secretary's vision, he appealed to his office for financial support to provide interactive smart boards and upgrade the college auditorium to help shape tech-ready educators.
Vikethozo Kuotsu, who secured Nagaland University rank 1, delivered a valedictorian speech on behalf of the graduating class. Reflecting on the two-year journey, he reminded his peers that education is a continuous process of becoming.
Sharing his story of overcoming academic setbacks, he encouraged the graduates to embrace failure as a tool for empathy and growth, challenging them to remain compassionate and dedicated to creating opportunities for others.