In a notable development for Kerala's higher education sector, a team of World Bank experts met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, praising the state's ongoing reforms and expressing interest in a collaborative initiative to attract international students.
The World Bank delegation included Nina Arnhold, Global Lead for Tertiary Education; Denis Nikolaev, Senior Education Specialist; and Ambarish Ambuj, Consultant for Education in the South Asia Region.
They discussed potential partnership opportunities with the Chief Minister at his office, according to an official release.
The project seeks to attract foreign students to Kerala and improve the overall higher education system, with a focus on sustainability and social justice.
"The World Bank representatives were impressed by the reforms taking place in the higher education sector. They expressed interest in collaborating with the state Higher Education Council to attract foreign students to Kerala as part of a related project," it said.
Chief Minister Vijayan welcomed the proposed collaboration, recognising the benefits of working with the World Bank.
The chief minister said the Kerala government is open to working with the World Bank on a project that focuses on improving the quality of higher education, making students more employable, and ensuring that the education system is sustainable and equitable.
The meeting was also attended by Rajan Gurukkal, Vice Chairman of the state Higher Education Council, and Eldho Mathews, International Special Officer.
The World Bank team is scheduled to visit the Digital University and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) on Tuesday to further explore the potential for collaboration.
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