A Brief History of Kohima College
Kohima College, located in the scenic hillock of Kruoliezou, Kohima, was established on the 9th of August 1967. This educational institute holds the distinction of being the first private college offering higher education in the branch of Humanities in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The College owes its existence to the four far sighted individuals from Kohima Village, Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire, Dr. Satuo Sekhose, Mr. Vibeilie Solo and Mr. Vilalhoulie Belho, who shared a common concern which was the need for an Academic Institution offering Higher Studies program/s in the field of Humanities as there was none in Kohima at that point of time. This need was felt all the more for youths from economically weaker sections of the society, who did not possess the means to travel outside the state for further studies. In light of this predicament, together rose to the challenge and created history by establishing the college.
Kohima College during the initial years offered only evening classes and these classes were held at the old Middle English School building and Union Baptist Church, Kohima. In 1969 however, the College was asked to vacate the aforementioned school building whereupon classes were shifted to an old dilapidated Primary School building located at the Mission Compound. Towards the close of 1971, the college was once again allowed to conduct classes at the Middle English School and the site, along with the school building was alotted to the college.
It was through the initiative of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu that the Education Department was persuaded to part with its quarters located at the present site Ura College of Teachers’ Education. These quarters, along with Dr. Setou Liegise’s building and a house belonging to Mr. Aguo Zeliang, were officially handed over to the College. With the possession of these buildings, the College was finally able to solve the problem of space. However, due to lack of funds, the college was often unable to pay salaries to the teachers. The founding members were nevertheless, unrelenting in their efforts to ensure the proper functioning of the college.
Mr. H. Gupta assumed charge of the College in 1979 and Mr. H. Saiborne was made the Vice Principal. Both of them shared deep concern for the college’s lack of permanent infrastructure and problem of accommodation due to rise in students’ enrolment. They approached the University Grant Commission (UGC) and received a substantial amount for building grants. With this fund and some material assistance from the State Government, a modest building was constructed.
The Government of Nagaland took over Kohima College with effect from 1st February 2006 with Mr. C. Khalong as the first Principal. With the subsequent completion of the construction of a new building complex in 2009, the College was shifted to its present site during the 2009-2010 session. An Inauguration Ceremony to commemorate the new complex for Kohima College was held on 12th May 2009. The Inaugural address was pronounced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, the then Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Nagaland. Lt. Dr. Satuo Sekhose, the only living founding member then was present to share the collective vision which gave birth to the college.
The college began its journey in 1967 with 127 students on its roll. The subjects offered then were English, Alternative English, Economics, History, Philosophy and Political Science. Later on, Philosophy was dropped for lack of students and Education and Sociology were added instead. In 1972, M.A. in Political Science was granted affiliation by Gauhati University. When the College came under North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), this Post Graduate program had to be done away with as NEHU did not permit colleges to run Post graduate courses. Kohima College achieved another milestone when in 1988, Tenyidie was introduced as a subject of study at the Pre-University level. Gradually, Tenyidie was upgraded to the Degree level. On 10th June 2013, the Government of Nagaland made the bold decision to physically de-link 10+2 academic level from the College. Kohima College, a Co-educational institution affiliated to Nagaland University now offers three year Graduate Degree course in a multitude of Humanities program, including both General and Honours courses. The Commerce steam was successfully introduced in 2016.
The first Principal was Mr. Horam, who joined in late 1969, followed by Mr. T Chuba, Mr. H.Gupta, , Mr. H. Saiborne, Mr. C.Khalong Ao, Mrs. Chubatola Lkr, Dr. Watijungshi Jamir. Dr. Ralimongla presently heads the College as Principal.The first Lecturer- in- charge was Lt. Jonathan Chakhesang and after him came Mr. Bikstarwell Wanniang.
The present campus covers a total area of 28.27 acres; the College has 17 classrooms, 1 Language Laboratory, 1 Seminar Hall, an Auditorium, a UGC funded Indoor Stadium Sports complex, a Library and also a Book Bank funded by the University Grants Commission. 2 hostels, 1 each for girls and boys is operating presently. Plans for constructions of more classrooms, staff quarters and more hostels for both boys & girls are in the pipeline. The college building is Wi-Fi enabled.
The College has been doing yeoman service by giving admission to students from economically weaker sections of society, regardless of race or tribe. It is mandatory for the College to take in Class 12 pass outs from Kohima District Government Schools into the Bachelor’s Programme. Many of the students have bagged university ranks in various subjects. Kohima College celebrated her glorious fifty years of existence in 2017 and in the same year had also successfully completed the 2nd cycle of assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Bengaluru and graded B+. The college also hosted the first Inter Government College Olympic, organised by Higher Education, Government of Nagaland in 2019.
Over the years, the College has produced thousands of graduates and continues to make all efforts in pursuit of excellence in Higher education.