Prayagraj: Governor and chancellor of Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) Anandiben Patel on Thursday directed the university to introduce skill development programmes aligned with local employment opportunities and take measures to increase student enrolment. Reviewing the university’s functioning on the second day of her visit to Prayagraj, Patel said UPRTOU should make effective use of its distance education system and network of regional centres to provide practical, employment-oriented education to youth.
She said available infrastructure and resources at the university and its regional centres should be utilised for courses based on local requirements and employment potential. Expressing concern over the university’s relatively low student strength, she asked the administration to assess employment opportunities in different sectors and prepare a detailed action plan identifying skills required in each field.
Patel also directed the university to begin preparations for its upcoming National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) assessment and rectify shortcomings.
During her visit, she inspected the regional centre at Yamuna campus, interacted with students and reviewed counselling classes. She directed officials to schedule counselling sessions even on holidays to facilitate working students. She also inspected a damaged building and directed officials to expedite corrective measures.
Vice-chancellor Prof Akhilesh Kumar Singh directed teachers to prepare proposals for skill development courses.
