Students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad have called off their 18-day indefinite protest after the university gave them a written assurance that their concerns over the recognition of Bachelor of Vocation (BVoc) and Master of Vocation (MVoc) qualifications would be addressed by the first week of February 2027.
The students credited the support of fellow students, the MANUU Students’ Union, media organisations and others for helping bring attention to their demands. They specifically thanked The Observer Post for its coverage and support during the protest, saying it helped put pressure on the university administration and other authorities to act.
“Because of your selfless efforts, the administration and other authorities came under pressure and initiated our work. I have no further words to thank you,” a MANUU student told The Observer Post.
“From all the BVoc students, warm regards and thanks to you and your team members who put their blood and sweat into helping us,” the student added.
The decision to withdraw the protest came on its 18th day, following discussions between student representatives and a university committee. In a written assurance, the university committed to completing the process of addressing the issues by the first week of February 2027.
The students clarified that calling off the protest did not mean withdrawing their demands. They said they would continue to follow up with the administration until the university fulfilled its commitment.
Why were MANUU students protesting?
Around 600 current students and graduates were associated with the agitation, which centred on concerns that the existing BVoc and MVoc degree titles and their status under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) framework could affect professional registration, employment opportunities and eligibility for higher education.
The students demanded recognition of their qualifications under the NCAHP framework. They also sought changes in the degree nomenclature to Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc), respectively.
They said uncertainty over the recognition and status of their qualifications could restrict their academic and professional opportunities after graduation.
University forms committee after students’ representation
On October 26, MANUU formed a committee to examine the concerns raised by BVoc and MVoc students, particularly their eligibility for registration with the NCAHP after completing their courses. The decision followed a representation submitted by the MANUU Students’ Union to the Vice-Chancellor.
The committee, comprising university deans and officials, held its first meeting and was asked to submit its findings to the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor also met student union representatives, deans and directors to discuss the matter.
Following the written assurance, the students called off their protest but said they would continue to hold the administration accountable for meeting the February 2027 deadline.
