Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), the only state university in Arunachal Pradesh, is currently functioning without a regular vice-chancellor after the retirement of its founding VC, Prof Tomo Riba, last month.Prof Riba retired from service on February 28, following which Higher and Technical Education Director Dr Milorai Modi has been given additional charge as vice-chancellor in-charge. Officials said the arrangement is temporary until a full-time appointment is made. Speaking on the development, Dr Modi confirmed that he is overseeing the university’s work for now. He said the state government has already formed a search committee to select the next vice-chancellor. “Letters have been issued to the members of the committee, which will be led by a convener. The process is being carried out in a transparent manner,” he said.
Dr Modi added that the committee is expected to begin its work soon and initiate the selection process at the earliest.However, some sources have raised concerns over delays in appointing a new VC. According to officials familiar with the matter, there was a lack of clarity earlier regarding the appointment process, which slowed things down. “The process should have moved faster. But now that the search committee is in place, we expect it to move quickly,” an official said. The advertisement for the post of vice-chancellor had been issued earlier on August 8, 2025. As per the eligibility criteria mentioned, candidates must be distinguished academicians with at least 10 years of experience as a professor in a university or in a reputed research or academic administrative organisation. The age preference is below 60 years as of the application deadline.
Arunachal Pradesh University was established in July 2022 in Pasighat, East Siang district. The foundation stone of the university was laid in January 2013 by former chief minister Nabam Tuki. Prof Tomo Riba served as the first vice-chancellor and played a key role in setting up the institution.
