The Department of Educational Studies, JMI in collaboration with Jamia Nadwiyya Edavanna, Kerala, the University of the Free State, South Africa, and the Kerala State Higher Education Council, hosted the International Conference on “Transcending Boundaries in Higher Education: Reimagining Disciplines, Policies, Innovations, and Global Challenges” on October 8 and 9, 2025. The hybrid conference brought together leading educators, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to deliberate on reimagining education in the era of artificial intelligence and global transformation.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Prof. Sattar Rasul, renowned educationist and former Head of the STEM Enculturation Research Centre, National University of Malaysia. His inaugural address emphasized the importance of global cooperation in higher education. Dr. Quazi Ferdaushi Islam and Dr. Sameer Babu of Jamia Millia Islamia provided a scholarly overview of the conference theme, setting a thoughtful tone for the sessions ahead. The keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Kaushal Kishor, Head, Department of Educational Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Dr. Kananga Robert Mukuna, Senior Lecturer, University of the Free State, South Africa — both offering unique insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the education sector.
Across 31 parallel academic sessions chaired by 30 distinguished academicians, articipants engaged deeply with key subthemes including:
- Language and Communication in Higher Education
- Culture and Global Educational Trends
- Curricular and Pedagogical Innovation
- Foundational and Disciplinary Discourses
- Technology, AI, and the Future of Higher Education
A panel discussion on “Reimagining the Future of Higher Education” brought together diverse voices, synthesizing the ideas generated across sessions. The smooth coordination of the event was ensured by the dedicated faculty and students of Jamia Nadwiyya Institutions.
Prof. Mohammed Basheer, Former Vice Chancellor of University of Calicut, delivered the valedictory address which was presided over by the Director of Jamia Nadwiyya group of Institutions Adil Atheef Swalahi. Prof. Jessy Abraham, the Dean Faculty of Education, JMI graced the occasion with her key speech in the valedictory programme.
The two-day event successfully fostered a spirit of academic partnership and innovation across borders. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of Jamia Nadwiyya, Jamia Millia Islamia, the University of the Free State, and the Kerala State Higher Education Council to shape a more inclusive, ethical, and future-ready higher education ecosystem. As the organizing committee emphasized in the valedictory session — “It was never about an event; it was about an idea — to transcend boundaries, ignite change, and inspire transformation in education”.
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