Nagaland: NCPA highlights research excellence in higher education

Nagaland College Principals Association (NCPA) convened its 2026 annual conference at Tetso College, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Tetso Research and Advisory Centre (TRAC) on February 13.
The event centred on the theme “Building a Research-Oriented Environment in Academia: Understanding Research Publications and Administrator Responsibilities.”
Heads of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the state deliberated on the evolving landscape of academic research and the role of institutional leadership in fostering a culture of inquiry.
Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Medziphema, served as resource person.
In his keynote and technical session, he stressed that research output was now a necessity for elevating Nagaland’s higher education. He provided insights into navigating global citation databases such as Web of Science and Scopus, identifying journals, avoiding predatory publications, and the responsibilities of administrators in supporting faculty research.
The proceedings were chaired by Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, general secretary of NCPA and principal of Tetso College. Invocation was offered by Dr. Medotsino Nakhro, principal of Alder College, Kohima. In his welcome address, Dr. Vitsosie Vüprü, president of NCPA and principal of Kohima College, highlighted the association’s role as a bridge between HEIs and Nagaland University, urging principals to use the platform for collective advocacy and professional support.
The session featured a musical performance by Athene Khrasi and Keyichitube Nza (BMus 2nd Semester) and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Phyobenthung, joint secretary of NCPA and principal of Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire.
Following a networking lunch, the NCPA held business hour where vice president Dr. Gopal Chetri, general secretary Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, and treasurer Dr. Zokho Venuh presented annual reports. The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Vitsosie Vüprü.
The house discussed critical agendas to be formally pursued with Nagaland University to streamline academic and regulatory processes.