In a major boost to Kerala’s higher education system, World Bank experts met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday to praise the state’s recent education reforms and explore opportunities for collaboration. The discussions focused on attracting international students to Kerala and enhancing the higher education system with a focus on sustainability and social justice.
The World Bank delegation, which included Nina Arnhold (Global Lead for Tertiary Education), Denis Nikolaev (Senior Education Specialist), and Ambarish Ambuj (Consultant for Education in South Asia), expressed interest in partnering with Kerala’s Higher Education Council to further the state’s education initiatives.
According to an official release, the proposed project aims to improve the quality of higher education in Kerala, increase student employability, and ensure that the education system is both sustainable and equitable. The Kerala government has welcomed the collaboration with the World Bank, recognising the potential to enhance the state’s position as an international hub for higher education.
Chief Minister Vijayan reaffirmed Kerala’s commitment to advancing its education sector and expressed openness to initiatives that focus on quality education, employment opportunities, and social equity.
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Rajan Gurukkal, Vice Chairman of the Kerala Higher Education Council, and Eldho Mathews, International Special Officer, also attended the meeting. The World Bank team is set to visit the Digital University and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) on Tuesday to evaluate Kerala’s progress in education reforms further.
This potential partnership underscores Kerala’s ambition to become a global destination for higher education, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable education and international collaboration.
