Academic programmes with an MDG focus

Ruwanthi ABEYAKOON

STUDIES: Academic programmes will soon be offered in widely diverse areas addressing UN Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), said Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Prof. V.N. Rajashekharan Pillai, inaugurating the IGNOU academic programmes in Sri Lanka.

IGNOU came into partnership with Regional International Institute of Higher Studies (RIIHS), Gampaha yesterday offering its academic programmes to Sri Lankan students.

"The programmes will be very cost effective as compared to others in a similar capacity. They are designed to offer through a distance learning system. It also provides a Learner-centric education empowering the disadvantaged and the unreached," Rajashekharan said.

He also said that the recognised course material will be shared with the Sri Lankan students. "IGNOU feels privileged in sharing its course materials with other institutions for dissemination of knowledge. The partnering institute can adapt, adopt or translate the materials as per local requirement," he added.

"In times to come we are planning to introduce our academic programmes through online delivery system with provision of online admissions, student support and examinations," Rajashekharan said.

"This is a marvelous opportunity for potential Sri Lankans including those who work and are unable to attend classes. They will be able to carry out their studies at their own pace and place in a safe academic environment in Gampaha," Executive Director RIIHS Anura Gunasekara said.

Gunasekara said Management degree programmes, Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management and Teacher Training will commence in January 2007.