The most recent development at Fazl Ali College (FAC) has the potential to be a turning point in the history of higher education in Nagaland. Established on 8 September 1959 as a community-led college, FAC has now become one of the leading educational institutions in the state. The institution functioned as a private college until 1962, after which it was taken over by the Government of Nagaland. Twenty years later, the science stream was introduced in 1983, marking a pivotal moment in the field of higher education in Nagaland. More than forty years later, the aspiration to introduce a third stream in the college is now almost coming to fruition with the inauguration of the Commerce Building. Establishing a commerce and law college in Mokokchung has been a long-cherished dream of the community.
With the formal inauguration of the Commerce Building and the foundation stone laid for a new academic building under the centrally sponsored PM-USHA scheme, FAC is on course to becoming one of Nagaland’s first multi-disciplinary government colleges. The introduction of multi-disciplinary studies is crucial for the future of any academic institution. FAC, the state’s oldest, has long served as a premier center of learning, and this shift has the potential to catapult it into a league of top institutions that not only cater to traditional academic streams but also offer a broader range of opportunities for students. By expanding its academic offerings, the college can better equip students with diverse skills, making them more competitive in the rapidly evolving job market.
The potential for growth, however, does not stop here. It is time to start envisioning even greater aspirations for FAC. The next logical step for this storied institution is to strive for autonomy and aim to become an Autonomous University. Autonomous status would provide the college with greater flexibility in curriculum development, governance, and decision-making, allowing it to tailor its educational offerings to the unique needs of the region. Moreover, it could serve as a model institution in a state where government-run schools and colleges often have a poor reputation.
Furthermore, the college’s transformation into a multi-disciplinary institution should spark broader thinking about making it a model government-run institution. The unfortunate reality is that many government institutions in Nagaland lag in infrastructure, faculty quality, and overall student experience. FAC has the potential to change that narrative. By setting high standards, it can become a shining example of what government-run institutions can achieve. This would require a concerted effort not just from the government, but also from faculty, alumni, and the local community to invest in and maintain high-quality education.
This vision must be sustained through continued investments in infrastructure, faculty development, and research capabilities. Meanwhile, every effort should be made to ensure that the commerce stream becomes functional as soon as possible, with education being imparted to students in the newly inaugurated Commerce Building.