Shillong: Over 500 students of the ICFAI University, Meghalaya, were conferred with various degrees at a convocation here on Wednesday.

The degrees include undergraduate and post-graduate courses like bachelor of business administration, bachelor of travel and tourism management, bachelor of computer applications, MBA, master of travel and tourism management, master of commerce and MCA.

Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya governor Ganga Prasad said, "Never look upon this degree as an end but a beginning of a new form of education as you enter the threshold of pursuing a career of your choice."

The governor, who is also the Visitor of the university, congratulated the institute for receiving the Best University in Meghalaya award for 2017. The award was given by the Corporate Council for Leadership and Incredible India Foundation at the Indian Education Leadership Summit and Award in New Delhi.

Lauding the services rendered by the university to the people of the Northeast, chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, who was the guest of honour, said, "This university took up the challenge by coming to the Northeast and providing an opportunity to our young minds in terms of quality education. Education will be our number one priority. This year, we have allocated the maximum amount in the budget for education."

The chief minister said the government is holding consultations with stakeholders to form a robust and concrete education policy in the next six months. He urged the students to be good human beings apart from building a good career.

The government has allocated Rs 4 crore for entrepreneurship development programmes, he added.