Andhra University Must Evolve into Global Top Institution: Lokesh

Education Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday said Andhra University is not just an academic institution but a “world-class centre of excellence” that has contributed significantly to producing distinguished personalities and nation-builders.

He was speaking at the centenary celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.

Highlighting its legacy, Lokesh said the university has shaped several eminent personalities, including filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas, who holds a gold medal in M.Sc. Nuclear Physics, and leaders such as Venkaiah Naidu, G.M.C. Balayogi, Subbarao and V.V.R. Mohan Reddy.

He expressed pride over Andhra University securing the top position among State universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings. He said his vision is to see the institution ranked among the top three universities in India and within the top 100 globally in the coming years.

Lokesh said he has requested the Chief Minister to sanction ₹250 crore for strengthening research and infrastructure at the university. He also assured that long-pending permanent faculty vacancies would be filled within a year.

He further said curriculum reforms will be introduced to align education with industry requirements. Students, he added, will be encouraged to undertake at least one year of fieldwork to gain practical exposure.

Addressing students, Lokesh urged them to remain confident in the face of challenges, citing his own political journey and setbacks, and said failure is often the first step towards success.

He also advised university authorities to prepare a 100-year vision document, include student feedback, and conduct periodic reviews every five years to ensure sustained growth.