Namakkal: Students should pursue higher education with the determination that “education will support us throughout life,” Namakkal District Collector Durgamoorthy said on Monday.

Speaking at the Higher Education Guidance Programme held at Gnanamani Technical College, Rasipuram, under the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation's I-First initiative, the Collector highlighted the state government's efforts to improve enrolment in higher education.

He noted that 88 per cent of students enrolled in higher education in 2022-23, which increased to 94 per cent in 2023-24. “This year, 9,470 students have joined higher education institutions, including 445 admitted to vocational courses under the 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students. Forty-five students have joined premier institutions with government financial support,” he said.

The Collector further stated that 743 students in the district are yet to enroll in higher education this academic year, and steps are being taken to facilitate admissions, including arrangements at Namakkal Fort. He urged students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take advantage of government schemes and pursue higher studies.

“Education is the foundation for improving our lives. Students must come forward to study with the goal of completing education, as it will support us until the end,” he emphasized.

During the event, admission orders were issued to 101 students under the I-First programme. Senior officials, including District Principal Education Officer Maheshwari, participated in the programme.