Jacob announces model college for Niuland

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Jacob Zhimomi announced that the Government of India has approved the establishment of a model college for Niuland district. He informed that necessary processes for the project would commence shortly.
He made the announcement while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Niuland on Friday.
Appealing to parents and local stakeholders, Jacob urged renewed trust in public education institutions. “Development cannot be imported. We must build our own villages, towns and districts,” he stated, emphasizing collective responsibility in fostering local progress.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing it as a transformative initiative aimed at creating a knowledge-based society. He assured that both central and state governments were working to ensure inclusive education, leaving no child behind.
Congratulating GHSS Niuland on completing 50 years of service, Jacob lauded the faculty, alumni, and community for their contributions in nurturing generations of students since the school’s inception in the mid-1970s. He described the milestone as a testimony to God’s grace and the perseverance of the institution through decades of challenges.
He expressed satisfaction that GHSS Niuland had played a vital role in building an educated and progressive society in western Nagaland, and credited the vision and prayers of the forefathers for Niuland’s emergence as a full-fledged district.
Highlighting the improving performance of government schools across the state, Jacob urged parents to place their trust in public institutions. “Your children are your greatest asset. We must invest in them through our own government education system,” he said, cautioning that schools with low enrollment and imbalanced teacher-student ratios may face rationalization.
As part of the celebration, the minister unveiled the Jubilee monolith, which was dedicated by Pastor Kughavi Zhimo of Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Niuland.
The programme began with an invocation by Xumunuli Achumi, Women Pastor of Hovukhu Baptist Church, followed by a welcome address from Principal Isiteule Zeliang. Deputy Commissioner Sara S. Jamir delivered the greetings message, and the school choir presented a jubilant song.
The souvenir was released by Sub-Divisional Education Officer (DEO Charge) Kitoshi Z. Swu, while Pastor Hutoka Sumi, chairman of Niuland Area Church Leaders’ Fellowship, pronounced the Jubilee blessings.
Highlights of the event included a musical tribute by Niuland Area Students’ Union (NASU), a choreography performance by the school’s Youth Club, and a commemorative speech by Golden Jubilee Planning Board convenor Kakishe Sema. The celebration concluded with a benediction by pastor Unice S. Chophi of United Baptist Church, Niuland, followed by a jubilee feast.