Imphal, September 16, 2026: A two-week multidisciplinary refresher course on “Leadership, Academic Administration and Legal Excellence in Higher Education” commenced at the MIMS Auditorium, Manipur University, on Wednesday.
The course, scheduled from September 16 to 28, is being organised by the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (UGC-MMTTC), Manipur University, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
A total of 53 participants, comprising teachers and administrative officers, are attending the refresher course.
Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University, attended the inaugural function as the chief guest. Prof. R.K. Bhubon Singh, Director, UGC-MMTTC, Manipur University, presided over the function, while Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei, Director, Manipur Institute of Management Studies, attended as the guest of honour.
Delivering the welcome and introductory address, Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei said the course had been designed after detailed discussions with the Director of UGC-MMTTC. He said the programme would introduce the participants to different dimensions of leadership.
He observed that leadership should not be understood only in a political context. Leadership can also be exercised in academic and administrative institutions, where the capabilities of individuals influence the progress and functioning of their organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. R.K. Bhubon Singh said effective leadership is the foundation of a successful higher education institution. Academic leaders, he said, must provide a clear vision, promote academic excellence, encourage innovation and create an environment that supports teaching, learning, research and community engagement.
He said institutional leaders must demonstrate integrity, transparency and accountability while possessing the ability to inspire faculty members, students and administrative staff. Effective leadership must also be capable of adapting to technological developments and emerging challenges in higher education, he added.
Prof. Memcha Loitongbam appreciated Prof. R.K. Bhubon Singh and Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei for designing a refresher course that includes administrative officers along with teachers.
She observed that refresher courses are generally organised for teachers, while the present programme brings teachers and administrators together to examine leadership, academic administration and legal issues affecting higher education institutions.
Prof. Memcha said the mixed composition of participants would enrich the learning process. She also appreciated the inclusion of group discussions and case-based exercises in addition to lectures. Since administrative officers do not require conventional micro-teaching exercises, the use of case discussions would allow them to examine practical institutional challenges, she said.
She encouraged the participants to interact actively, perform well during the course and make the best use of the opportunity. She also extended her best wishes to the participants and organisers for the successful completion of the programme.
The refresher course will cover areas including the National Education Policy 2020, leadership theories and practices, quality teaching and research, institutional ranking, research innovation and entrepreneurship, stress management, effective communication, law and governance in higher education institutions, research ethics, academic writing, Indian Knowledge Systems, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and organisational team-building.
The inaugural programme also included the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Dr Phalguni Konjengbam delivered the vote of thanks.
