Hyderabad: The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), New Delhi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote inclusive and accessible education across India. The collaboration aims to expand quality education, promote skill-based learning, and raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
MANUU–NIOS partnership to enhance educational inclusion
During the event, Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor of MANUU, launched the official YouTube channel of the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). The platform will deliver educational content primarily in Urdu.
Prof. Hasan stressed that Urdu is not a barrier to professional or academic growth. Moreover, he said the partnership between MANUU and NIOS will strengthen the mutual goals of inclusive education. “We have been proactive in implementing NEP-2020,” he said. “We are also working to empower disabled students, who are excelling even in sports like cricket.”
He noted that most MANUU students come from marginalised backgrounds and are often first-generation learners. Therefore, this MoU marks an important step toward continuing education and long-term social transformation.
NIOS to reach marginalised communities nationwide
Prof. Akhilesh Mishra, Chairperson of NIOS, said the signing carried deep symbolic value at a university named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. He added that NIOS will continue to bring marginalised people into the educational mainstream. “NIOS has a vast national network reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “Age is no bar for admission.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar of MANUU, expressed confidence that both institutions will achieve strong results through collaboration. In addition, Prof. Mohammed Razaullah Khan, Director of CDOE, called the MoU a historic milestone uniting two national institutions for a shared mission.
He said the initiative will boost enrolment in higher education and promote synergy through technology-driven learning. Consequently, it will support the national goal of inclusive growth.
MANUU and NIOS leaders pledge continued cooperation
Col. Shakeel Ahmed, Secretary of NIOS, and Dr Vijay Kumar, Director of Student Support Services, also addressed the gathering. Several senior officials and faculty members from both institutions attended the event.
Prof. Abdul Sami Siddiqui, Director of CPDUMT, delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr Shaikh Wasim from CDOE anchored the programme.