Faculty Induction Programme Concluded with Insightful Valedictory Session at Avinashilingam University

The Faculty Induction Programme (FIP) at Avinashilingam University, Tamil Nadu, India, concluded with a thought-provoking valedictory address delivered by Dr B. Shadrach, Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) on 9 December 2024. His address emphasised the evolving role of educators in a rapidly changing academic and technological landscape. 

Dr Shadrach commenced his address by referring to the various collaborations between CEMCA and Avinashilingam University, especially the one on Open Educational Resources (OER) repository, leveraging DSpace, an open-source platform. In his address, he emphasised the immense potential of Indian education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He remarked, "The future of the world is in your hands. In the next two decades, every fourth degree will be issued in India. This global positioning opens doors for Indian students to become leaders, aided by their teachers in honing essential leadership skills." 

He urged educators to embrace lifelong learning, particularly in mastering emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. “AI will not replace teachers, but teachers proficient in AI will replace those who are not,” he noted, encouraging participants to exploit technology for educational excellence. 

Highlighting the importance of institutional support, Dr Shadrach commended the leadership at Avinashilingam University for investing in faculty development. He encouraged peer learning and interdisciplinary approaches, essential for preparing students for an uncertain future job market. 

Dr Shadrach also emphasised the growing integration of the skill domain into education, advocating for industry-led curricula, apprenticeships, and the flexibility NEP 2020 provides in credit accumulation. He concluded by urging teachers to seize opportunities, adapt to change, and embrace their evolving roles in shaping global leaders. 

The participants shared positive feedback on the programme, lauding its focus on empowering educators with the confidence and knowledge to excel in their profession. They expressed appreciation for the enriching insights provided by university leaders and experts.