New Vice-Chancellor aims to transform EFLU into a global brand

Hyderabad: Improvement of infrastructure, fine tuning the academic programmes for better academic standards are among the top priorities of the new Vice-Chancellor of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) Prof E Suresh Kumar who wants to create global branding for the institution.

Speaking to The Hans India, Kumar said that EFLU has a crucial role to play against the backdrop of growing connectivity of India with other parts of the globe, as language would be the key for the younger generation of students to acquire effective communication skills to succeed.

“Students from the technology domain courses like BTech and others are good at their course studies. But, the main problem is lack of effective communication skills,” he said. It is this gap which the EFLU can effectively fill and help them achieve their objectives. For this, the new Vice Chancellor wants to focus on giving an impetus for the Training of Teachers (ToT) in English and other subjects.

Similar efforts would also be made at EFLU. Several companies have been coming to the institute and recruiting students from the campus, Steps would be taken to improve standards to attract global level companies for the placement of EFLU students, Kumar said.

The first step in this direction would be to improve the class room ambience by introducing technology to make them as e-class rooms. Though, several institutions created e-class rooms, they are not beingutilised properly and “I want to ensure that the LCD, slide projectors, internet connectivity and other gadgets provided to enhance the class room experience,” the new VC said.

Secondly, there is no full occupancy of the existing hostels in the campus due to various factors and improving infrastructure facilities would be taken up on priority. Similarly, some of foreign students pursuing their courses at EFLU have been purchasing drinking water from outside. “Steps would be taken to provide pure and safe drinking water to them within the campus,” he said.

Besides his long-standing experience in academics and administrative positions andas the registrar of Osmania University, Kumar had to look after all the affairs of OU, in the absence of a V-C for two years. He claims that his experience in OU would help him in managing the affairs of EFLU.

He said he favours friendly administration, cordial relations with teaching and non-teaching staff and students. At the same time, he would be strict when it comes to implementing the rules. While the first year of his five year tenure would be on improving the facilities, his focus in the remaining four years would be to improve the standards and building the EFLU brand to facilitate placement to the students in global level companies.

By V R C Phaniharan