Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 9 (NPN): Director, Centre for Development Studies (CDC), Nagaland University, Dr. Kevezai Tureng has cautioned graduates that a degree alone would not be sufficient to secure employment in today’s competitive job market, urging them to develop practical skills and adapt to emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Addressing the 7th Graduation Ceremony of MGM College, Midland, Dimapur, as special guest, Tureng said graduates must transform academic qualifications into practical skills, noting that the traditional approach of obtaining a degree and waiting for government employment could no longer accommodate the growing number of young graduates.
Citing state level data, he pointed out that Nagaland produced 31,211 graduates between 2022 and 2025, while only 3,197 persons entered state government service during the same period. He said the figures demonstrated the widening gap between graduates and available government jobs.
Tureng highlighted that Nagaland already has 1.22 lakh government employees against a population of nearly 20 lakh, with a significant portion of the State’s GDP going towards salaries. In the education sector alone, 17,850 government teachers are currently employed, while only 200 teachers are expected to retire in 2026. At the same time, 650 B.Ed graduates were produced from eight institutions. He noted that the 2026 graduating batch, comprising Arts, Commerce, Science and B.Ed students, numbered 6,412, making it increasingly difficult for the government to absorb all graduates.
Referring to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2025 and India Skills Report 2026, Tureng said unemployment among those aged 15-29 stood at 10%, while unemployment among educated persons aged 15 and above was 6.5%. He further stated that graduate employability stood at 52%, underscoring the need to develop capabilities beyond formal qualifications.
He stressed that employers now look beyond degrees, assessing candidates on communication, writing, analytical ability, teamwork, problem solving, data interpretation and AI skills. Emphasising the growing importance of AI, he said the technology was being adopted across professions including accountancy, medicine, law, journalism, research, entrepreneurship and administration, and even among small businesses.
Tureng urged graduates to prioritise skill development and familiarise themselves with skilling opportunities, noting that the Government of India aims to train 5.17 lakh AI learners under the Viksit Bharat vision 2047. “Your competition would be between a graduate with only a degree and a graduate with degree plus skills,” he remarked, challenging graduates to devote the next 90 days to acquiring at least one practical skill such as digital marketing, advanced Excel, data analysis, graphic designing, entrepreneurship, AI assisted software, content writing, video editing or public speaking.
The programme also featured a speech by Professor Tankeswar Gohain, nominee of Nagaland University to MGM College. A total of 35 students graduated from the college for the year 2026.
Opening remarks were delivered by Principal Dr. R.K. Behera, while the graduation oath was administered by IQAC coordinator Jemsungba Walling. A speech on behalf of the graduates was delivered by Lamleba Sangtam.