Plans for NLU Prayagraj: A well-stocked library, connection with Allahabad High Court, new courses
The new National Law University (NLU) at Prayagraj was cleared by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in July 2020. Three years on, the Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, is finally taking shape. It will admit its first undergraduate batch in 2024. Its founding vice-chancellor Usha Tandon described her vision for the university over email to Careers360. Edited excerpts below.
- What is your immediate priority as the first VC of NLU Prayagraj?
- As the founding vice-chancellor of Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, my priorities revolve around designing a comprehensive and innovative course curriculum and delineating the university’s goals, and overarching direction. A well-stocked library is important for any ambitious law university and we aspire to have a world-class collection of books.
My immediate priority is to meet the university’s vision that resonates with educational excellence, research innovation, and societal impact, all encapsulated within a dynamic strategic blueprint. Another priority is the recruitment and cultivation of a diverse, talented faculty body, fostering an environment ripe for intellectual growth and scholarly pursuits. For this, we have advertised positions.
Simultaneously, we are engaged with the recruitment of administrative and supporting staff as per the guidelines of the state government. This is necessary for establishing and upholding the university’s functioning that ensures compliance with regulatory requisites. I am committed to quality assurance and accreditation, ensuring that the university consistently upholds exemplary standards in education, research and administrative practices, thus cementing its reputation as a paragon of academic excellence.
- How does your institution plan to stand out among other NLUs?
- Firstly, NLU’s location in Prayagrajis quite distinctive. Prayagraj, often referred to as the judicial capital of the state, stands as a guiding light for legal education, scholarly pursuit and ethical leadership. Prayagraj has been known for her academic legacy and has produced erudite legal scholars of national and international repute. NLU’s proximity to the High Court of Allahabad – India’s largest and a powerful high court – makes it possible for leading members of the bar and bench to make a significant contribution to the growth of the NLU.
Our students will get valuable insights from the world of legal practice, especially for their internships and placements. Secondly, my decades of experience in legal education at the University of Delhi and wide networking with law firms, industry and think tanks will help budding lawyers to get exposure at national and international levels.
As a new NLU, innovation in teaching methodologies is the cornerstone of our approach. Leveraging technology, interactive learning platforms and blended learning techniques, we strive to create an engaging and adaptive learning environment. This includes flipped classrooms, online resources, and personalised learning plans, catering to diverse learning styles and enhancing student engagement.
Our institution focuses on pioneering legal education prioritising experiential learning by providing hands-on opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge through moot courts, mock trials, mediation and other simulated legal exercises. These experiences cultivate practical skills, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, empowering our students to navigate real-world legal challenges competently.
