Pokhara, 25 December| Prime Minister Sushila Karki has emphasized the urgent need to revise the existing legal provision where the Prime Minister automatically serves as the Chancellor of universities. Addressing the 51st Convocation Ceremony of Tribhuvan University held at Tripureshwor Stadium on Thursday, PM Karki stated that the government has realized the necessity of restructuring university leadership to ensure academic independence. She noted that unnecessary political interference in educational administration has consistently hindered the progress of Nepal’s higher education sector. To address this, she revealed that the government has initiated concrete steps and is currently engaged in serious consultations and groundwork to amend the provision, potentially paving the way for academic experts to lead these institutions instead of political figures.
Highlighting the need for increased investment in education, the Prime Minister stressed that ending the deep-rooted culture of political partisanship is essential to transforming universities into vibrant hubs for academic discourse. She urged all stakeholders to strive toward creating an environment where merit and scholarship take precedence over political affiliation. Amidst the growing trend of Nepali students seeking higher education abroad, PM Karki emphasized the importance of maintaining excellence in educational quality. She suggested that stakeholders must focus on introducing timely, innovative, and practical educational programs that can cater to the needs of the modern global market while encouraging students to pursue their aspirations within the country.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Karki touched upon the administrative challenges within the university system, particularly regarding the delays in publishing examination results. She shared that she has sensed a deep dissatisfaction among students who expect timely results after their hard work in exams. She urged the university authorities to seriously investigate why such delays occur and to find sustainable solutions. Acknowledging the unprecedented pace of technological advancement and global migration, she stated that it is natural for the higher education sector to harbor aspirations for rapid transformation. By removing political hurdles and focusing on academic autonomy, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Nepal’s universities could soon catch up with global educational standards and provide a brighter future for the youth.
