Mumbai: During the 55th anniversary celebrations of the University of Mumbai’s (MU) Distance and Online Education Centre, Professor Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, emphasised the critical need for universities to offer more skill-based, employability-driven courses to address the growing demand for skilled professionals across various sectors.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Professor Sonawane said, “With the world looking at India as a land of opportunities, it is imperative to develop a skilled workforce through distance and online education. Universities must focus on skill-based and employment-oriented courses to bridge the gap in various industries.”
Highlighting Mumbai’s expanding infrastructure, he said, “Vadhavan Port, which is set to become one of the country’s largest ports, requires a skilled workforce. Universities must seize this opportunity to train students in relevant skills.”
He further stressed the importance of equipping students with both technical and non-technical skills, adding, “We must focus on developing skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning to make students job-ready.”
Professor Sonawane also mentioned, “Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University has compiled a research compendium documenting various research projects and findings in a 100-page volume. Collaborative efforts between universities can drive skill development, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and nanotechnology.”
He called for a paradigm shift in education, stating, “Heutagogy, or self-determined learning, is a globally recognised approach in online education. Study materials must offer immersive learning experiences so that distance learners feel as though they are in a physical classroom.”
In his presidential address, Professor Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor of MU, reflected on the evolving landscape of distance and online education. “The Distance and Online Education Centre must align itself with global trends by offering a broader range of online, blended, hybrid, and micro-learning courses. Traditional courses alone are not sufficient—we need to integrate employment-oriented programmes,” he said.
He also noted the significance of Industry 4.0 and the recommendations from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 skills report. “Aligning courses with the demands of the future workforce is the need of the hour. The University of Mumbai has taken an initiative to promote dual-degree programmes, and their expansion will benefit students greatly.”
Professor Kulkarni further added, “MahaSwayam presents a significant opportunity for the Distance and Online Education Centre to enhance its online education reach. Additionally, the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor and nanotechnology sectors means we must develop targeted courses in these domains.”
