In a resolute and thought-provoking speech during the panel discussion "How to Retain Students in Nepal" under the flagship campaign "Study in Nepal" by Edusanjal, Dr. Surya Raj Acharya, an eminent Visiting Professor at the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus, delved into the pressing issue of Nepal's exodus of youth and shed light on the underlying reasons contributing to the nation's educational challenges.
Vicious Cycle of Mediocrity and Knowledge Deficit
Dr. Acharya began by painting a somber picture of Nepal's educational landscape, highlighting a vicious cycle where mediocrity and knowledge deficit have taken center stage. Drawing from his own school and college days, he candidly shared how despite being a diligent student, he faced reprimand for asking questions that ventured beyond the conventional boundaries. This anecdote underscored the existence of a broken basic education system that stifles critical thinking and fails to emphasize the practical application of knowledge.
Reasons Behind the Dilemma
Dr. Acharya meticulously dissected the reasons behind the nation's educational challenges, offering profound insights into the intricacies of the system:
Quality and Inefficient Structure
Dr. Acharya pointed out the glaring deficiencies in Nepal's education system, beginning from the basic level and extending all the way to universities. He lamented the lack of understanding and competence in running an effective university system, tracing back to the establishment of Tribhuvan University in 2016 BS. He emphasized that universities should never be governed by bureaucratic structures but should operate independently to foster an atmosphere of academic excellence.
He shed light on the prevalent issue of political appointments in key academic positions. This phenomenon, he asserted, has hindered the implementation of a robust collegiate system, essential for a well-rounded and efficient education ecosystem. He expressed dismay over the continued influence of Commissions in running universities, emphasizing the need to discontinue such structures to enable universities to flourish and drive genuine progress. He asserts that professors are often the most powerless in Nepalese universities. Dr. Acharya stressed that accountability can only be achieved when individuals are entrusted with their responsibilities, and in Nepal's case, this vital aspect has been significantly lacking.
Moreover, he candidly observed that Nepalese universities often operate akin to government ministries, influenced by favoritism and kinship culture rather than prioritizing academic merit and competence. He passionately questioned the efficiency expected from an inherently inefficient structure, asserting that genuine progress in education can only be achieved through a transformative overhaul of the current system.
Education and Employment Nexus: Chasing Degrees or Skills?
In a call for redefining the education and employment landscape, Dr. Acharya advocated for a paradigm shift from a certificate-oriented mindset to an approach that places greater emphasis on skill development and job creation. He pointed out that the prevailing trend in Nepal's education system is one where students seek to acquire multiple degrees and certificates, believing that possessing more certificates translates to more lucrative job opportunities.
Dr. Acharya emphasized that the focus on theoretical knowledge has overshadowed the cultivation of practical skills that align with market demands, leaving the nation with a workforce that may be paper-qualified but lacks the necessary expertise to drive meaningful innovation and contribute to economic growth.
Social Norms: The Pressure to Perform
Drawing from international best practices, Dr. Acharya highlighted the importance of a supportive and nurturing educational environment. He shared how schools abroad employ professional counselors whose role is not only to teach but also to observe and guide students in their academic and non-academic pursuits. This holistic approach fosters a sense of purpose and direction among students, empowering them to make informed career choices that align with their strengths and interests.
In contrast, Nepalese students often face immense pressure to perform academically, with the focus primarily on achieving high grades without adequate career guidance or exploration of diverse career options. This lack of guidance, he argued, leaves many students ill-prepared to make informed decisions about their future, leading to a mismatch between their academic qualifications and their career aspirations.
A Vision for Reform
Undeterred by the complexity of the challenges, Dr. Acharya put forth a visionary roadmap for comprehensive education reform that goes beyond the incremental approach and delves deep into systemic transformation:
1. Policy-Making Transformation: Empowering Think Tanks and Research Centers
Dr. Acharya urged policymakers to involve think tanks, research centers, and universities in shaping educational policies. He emphasized the need for evidence-based decision-making that draws inspiration from exemplary universities worldwide. He called for a paradigm shift from mere umbrella policies to the formulation of comprehensive, evidence-driven strategies that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of the Nepali population.
2. Free from Political Interference: The Power of Academic Independence
Dr. Acharya passionately advocated for universities to be freed from political interference, arguing that true academic excellence can only thrive when institutions are run by independent boards of trustees. He envisioned an academic environment where all stakeholders, including students, professors, and staff, harbor unwavering loyalty to academic excellence and are empowered to engage in meaningful academic pursuits without fear or favor.
3. Investing in Talent: Nurturing Intellectual Capital
In a compelling argument, Dr. Acharya called for a redirection of funds away from institutions promoting corruption and toward nurturing exceptional talent within the education system. He proposed investing in outstanding scholars and experts who can catalyze educational transformation, enriching the academic atmosphere with cutting-edge research and inspiring future generations of students to aim higher and achieve their full potential.
