Five universities in Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic cooperation and research collaboration. The agreement, signed by Far Western University, Mid-West University, Nepal Open University, Purbanchal University, and Lumbini Technological University, aims to improve higher education quality through joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and interdisciplinary programs.
According to the MoU, the universities will collaborate on postgraduate research initiatives, exchange programs for faculty, staff, and students, and the development of joint academic programs. Additionally, they will organize seminars, conferences, and collaborative research projects while sharing academic resources and publications.
The agreement was signed by the Vice Chancellors of all five universities: Prof. Dr. Hem Raj Pant (Far Western University), Prof. Dr. Dhruba Kumar Gautam (Mid-West University), Prof. Dr. Shilu Manandhar ( Nepal Open University), Prof. Dr. Biju Kumar Thapalia (Purbanchal University), and Prof. Dr. Binod Prasad Dhakal (Lumbini Technological University).
In addition to the Vice Chancellors, the agreement was witnessed by the registrars of all five universities. Prof. Dr. Yagya Raj Pathak from Far Western University, Prof. Dr. Shobhakar Kadel from Mid-West University, Prof. Dr. Govind Singh Bist from Nepal Open University, Mr. Nilmani Pokharel from Purbanchal University, and Mr. Reg Bahadur Bhandari from Lumbini Technological University were present at the signing ceremony, reinforcing their commitment to fostering academic and research collaboration among the institutions.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with an automatic renewal every five years unless otherwise decided. Any university wishing to withdraw from the agreement must provide at least six months prior notice.
University authorities believe that this collaboration will strengthen Nepal’s academic and research ecosystem, enhance national and international partnerships, and provide students and faculty with better opportunities for learning and innovation.
