Coimbatore: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasized the critical role of industry experts in shaping higher education curricula during its 8th National Higher Education Conference and Exhibition, which commenced yesterday at the CODISSIA campus in Coimbatore.

Addressing the seminar on leveraging modern technologies in higher education, Shankar Vanavarayar, Chairman of Kumaraguru Educational Institutions, highlighted the urgent need for skill development beyond academic degrees.

"As industries evolve rapidly, higher education must adapt to prepare future-ready professionals. Institutions must foster a dynamic, digital, and innovative learning environment to meet the demands of the next two decades," he stated.

Rajesh Warrier, Managing Director of Cognizant India, underscored the widening gap between industry requirements and graduate skills. He advocated for incorporating industry professionals into curriculum design and promoting internships as a bridge between education and employment. "Inviting industry experts as honorary professors for lectures and workshops can enhance student preparedness," he added.

Gopal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department, was honored during the event for his efforts in advancing technological trends in education. Highlighting the state's 50% higher education enrollment rate, he noted Tamil Nadu's initiatives like "I Am the First," 7.5% seat reservation, "Innovation Girl," and "Tamilputhalvan" as pivotal in enhancing student skills and competitiveness.

The seminar witnessed participation from key leaders, including CII South Region President Nandini, RVS Group Managing Trustee Senthil Ganesh, and CII Coimbatore President Radhakrishnan.

The conference continues with discussions on aligning education with Industry 4.0 and fostering collaboration between academia and the corporate world.