Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the imperative need for comprehensive higher education reform in Nepal. With a focus on political, structural, policy, and meritocratic dimensions, he articulates a vision for nurturing a thriving educational ecosystem.
Political and Structural Overhaul
Dr. Singh underscores the necessity for transformative change at three fundamental levels: political, structural, and policy. He calls for an end to political appointments and advocates for open competitions to fill staff positions within universities. This approach would ensure that qualified individuals, rather than political affiliations, lead and contribute to the academic environment.
He staunchly advocates for the prohibition of student unions, professors' unions, and staff unions within universities. This, he believes, would create an environment conducive to focused learning and impactful research. Dr. Singh contends that such changes are paramount to cultivating a capable, civilized, and politically conscious human resource pool, a prerequisite for a progressive educational landscape.
Challenges and Solutions
While recognizing that discussions on such reforms have taken place before, Dr. Singh emphasizes the importance of translating dialogue into action. The current trend of students leaving the country for education is affecting the nation's economy, resulting in a significant portion of the national budget being spent abroad.
He calls for a unified national consensus, advocating for structural adjustments within universities. Dr. Singh envisions an environment where the Nepali diaspora is incentivized to return and contribute to the nation's development. His proposal involves placing decision-making positions in the hands of experts who have gained international recognition, rather than those simply affiliated with political parties.
Empowering Academic Excellence
Dr. Singh strongly advocates for the elevation of academic excellence within higher education leadership. His proposal centers on entrusting the position of Vice-Chancellor to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements. These achievements encompass holding patent rights and contributing articles to esteemed international journals.
By implementing this approach, Dr. Singh envisions a transformative impact on the academic landscape. These accomplished academic leaders would possess the expertise to curate dedicated teams focused on pioneering substantial and positive changes within universities. This strategy aims to harness the collective knowledge and capabilities of these seasoned experts to drive sweeping improvements in higher education institutions.
Putting an End to Disruptions
One significant issue highlighted by Dr. Singh is the periodic disruption of universities by student unions through padlocking. He emphasizes the need for an immediate halt to such disruptions, ensuring that academic institutions can function without hindrance and deliver uninterrupted education.
Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh's insights underscore the critical need for multi-faceted reforms in Nepal's higher education sector. By addressing political interference, advocating for meritocracy, and fostering an environment of academic excellence, he envisions a future where universities play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's progress.
