DIMAPUR: Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, while addressing the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the Modern Institute of Teacher Education (MITE), Kohima, congratulated the graduating student teachers and highlighted the noble responsibility of educators in preparing young minds for a complex and rapidly changing world.
In his keynote address, Imchen drew attention to the state’s saturated employment sector, noting that Nagaland has 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 revealed that Nagaland has 17,825 government teachers, with only 169 due to retire between August and December 2026, while the state’s eight B.Ed. institutions produce around 650 graduates annually, creating a mismatch between supply and demand. Between 2022 and 2025, he said, 33,211 students graduated from affiliated institutes, while only 3,197 persons were recruited into State government services.
Emphasising a structural shift toward skills based recruitment, Imchen warned that candidates with mere degrees and no specialisation were becoming “virtually unemployable.” He urged institutions to reform curricula and introduce Emerging Courses in high demand sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, FinTech and Renewable Energy. He noted that entry level salaries for Data Analysts and AI Specialists range between Rs. 6–10 lakh, scaling up to Rs.30 lakh for senior specialists.
Delivering the welcome address, principal Dr. Kate Dandesh Kumar highlighted MITE’s academic achievements, noting that the institution produced 9 of the Top 20 Nagaland University Toppers this year, including ranks 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13 (two students) and 14. She said the college has maintained a pass percentage of 96.09% over eight batches, producing 107 NU rankers and 1,289 teachers since inception. Dr. Kumar emphasised integrating digital literacy and AI into teaching, appealing for financial support to provide Interactive Smart Boards and upgrade the college auditorium to shape tech ready educators.
Valedictorian Vikethozo Kuotsu, NU Rank 1, delivered an inspiring speech, reminding peers that education is a continuous “process of becoming.” Sharing his journey of overcoming academic setbacks, he urged graduates to embrace failure as a tool for empathy and growth, and to remain compassionate in creating opportunities for others.
The graduation ceremony was hosted by Aten Lemtur and Kikruneino Peseyie, and included invocation by Zulutemla, president of MITE EU, special performances by student teachers, and conferring of certificates by the Chief Secretary.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Alemdy L. Sangtam, general secretary, MITESU, and benediction by Razoukhrienuo, prayer secretary, MITE EU.
