“Appointing good VCs alone cannot improve the situation of
universities”
The selection process for the vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan
University is ongoing. TU is plagued by problems such as political instability,
delayed results, and lack of transparency. Similar issues are prevalent in
other universities across the country.
Debate has arisen regarding whether the VC should have political
affiliations. The 11th edition of the Nepal Literature Festival held a session
about problems faced by Nepal’s universities. Kusum Shakya, Department Head of
Economics, former TU professor Sanjib Uprety, and constitutional expert Bipin
Adhikari were speakers at the session.
Uprety emphasizes that appointing good VCs alone cannot rectify
the situation of universities.
“The authorities should first identify and address the
challenges faced by the universities,” says Uprety.
Ending politicization in universities is crucial to improving
their conditions, Uprety adds.
“The presence of politically biased students, faculty, and officials
in universities has caused problems. There is a lack of academic freedom,
leading to frequent disruptions,” he states.
Sharma, Department Head of Economics at TU, suggests that
universities would see improvement if they operated under a Board of Trustees.
She laments that individuals with promising plans and policies are often
overlooked for the VC position.
Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari argues for curriculum
reform and advocates for educators well-versed in the revised curriculum to
lead universities.
“The textbooks I read in my youth still exist in classrooms,”
Adhikari remarks.
He further adds that there is a necessity for stringent
regulations regarding the presence of professors in universities.
"But unfortunately, such rules are lacking,” Adhikari
concludes.
