Groundwork On To Appoint University Chancellor From Among Academic Persons: PM Karki

Kavrepalanchowk, Dec 10: Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Kathmandu University (KU), Sushila Karki has shared that groundwork is being undertaken to appoint academic persons the Chancellor in the Universities of Nepal.

Addressing the 31st Convocation (First Phase) of Kathmandu University (KU) in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk today, she mentioned that the government is laying ground work on the matter of appointing Chancellor in consultation with the University's vice-chancellors, senior leadership, and other stakeholders.

PM Karki noted that recently there has been a perceived need to revise the provision for the Prime Minister to appoint the university's vice-chancellor.

In this connection, Education Minister Mahabir Pun has been conducting necessary discussions, consultations, and preparatory work with representatives of concerned bodies.

Prime Minister Karki said, “We are working towards amending the related Act to ensure that a professional academic person can become the Chancellor”.

She expressed the confidence that such a provision would end the tradition of politicizing Nepal's higher education.

Karki highlighted that she became the PM in the new political context in line with the changing mindset of the youth, stating that the average citizen expect high-quality higher education, skills, employment, and prosperity to be addressed within the country.

"We are attempting from the government end to fulfill the responsibilities of laying its foundation", she added.

Highlighting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality technology in Nepal's higher education sector as well, Prime Minister Karki noted that it is natural for youth to show aspirations for change.

She mentioned that investment in higher education in Nepal has remained low and that it is not possible to fulfill those aspirations without increasing the investment.

She emphasized on depoliticizing the higher education alongside increased investment.

She stressed that other universities should also adopt the positive initiatives and models implemented by KU to improve Nepal's higher education.

"Especially in the areas of innovation, enhancement of academic competence, and comparatively fair compensation for teachers and staff relevant to Nepal's context, these are practices that other universities should learn from", she said.

The Head of the Government instructed all concerned agencies through the Education Minister to assist in creating an environment for delivering quality education at comparatively affordable costs in the country and to continuously introduce new programmes in a timely manner while maintaining excellence in educational quality.

The programme was also attended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Vice-Chancellor of KU, Mahabir Pun.

At the ceremony, a total of 2,209 students from various disciplines were graduated.