The Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami (NUSU-L) has expressed strong opposition to the recent decision by the department of Higher Education, to regularize contractual assistant professors without competitive exams through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC).
In a press release, NUSU-L president Imtiwapong S and general secretary Nzanthung A Murry stated that the move was carried out despite ongoing legal proceedings and public opposition, and described it as a direct violation of transparency, meritocracy, and equal opportunity in the state’s education system.
The student body highlighted that the decision undermines the efforts of NET and Ph.D. holders, who have met national academic benchmarks but are now systemically excluded due to the non-merit-based appointments.
NUSU-L criticized the government for setting a dangerous precedent, stating that such actions are regressive at a time when the state’s higher education system should be moving toward greater transparency and quality.
The union affirmed its solidarity with the Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), and other student and civil society organizations opposing the move.
“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of students and ensuring that education in Nagaland remains a space where merit, not influence, determines opportunity,” said NUSU-L. The union also vowed to continue advocating for policies that uphold the credibility of educational institutions and the future of the youth.