Lokesh Seeks Academic Collaboration With Cambridge University
Lokesh, it said, proposed the introduction of Cambridge-certified online courses for students of Classes 8 to 10 in government and aided schools across AP
VIJAYAWADA: Education minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday held talks with University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The minister pitched for wide-ranging academic cooperation covering joint research, curriculum development and faculty exchange programmes, an official release here said.
Lokesh, it said, proposed the introduction of Cambridge-certified online courses for students of Classes 8 to 10 in government and aided schools across AP. These courses, he said, should focus on capacity building with special emphasis on climate change awareness, sustainability and future-ready skills.
The minister also urged Cambridge university to enter into a constructive agreement with universities in AP for collaborative research, curriculum design and faculty exchanges. Drawing inspiration from the Southampton–Cambridge model, he suggested dedicated scholarships and fast-track admissions for meritorious students from government educational institutions in the state to encourage academic excellence.
Highlighting AP’s intent to emerge as a knowledge and innovation hub, Lokesh proposed joint research programmes in cutting-edge areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineering. He invited the university to explore partnerships with premier institutions in the state, including Andhra University, IIT Tirupati and other leading centres of higher learning.
The minister urged Cambridge university to design special programmes for faculty development and advanced teaching methodologies for AP universities, aligned with global best practices and Cambridge’s education reforms, particularly in the Indian context.
Responding to the proposals, Prof Deborah Prentice said Cambridge, through CIRF initiatives in India, was already focusing on climate education, modern teaching practices, digital skills and language programmes. She said the proposals put forward by Lokesh would be examined in detail.