The government has made an official announcement to establish a new university named after the late Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal revealed this decision during the centenary celebrations of Koirala, along with the 12th anniversary celebrations of GP Koirala Memorial College. The university's establishment will commence in the near future.
In 2078, Shekhar Koirala, a Congress leader and MP, submitted an application for the establishment of a university at the Prime Minister's Office. Presently, ongoing discussions are focused on two possibilities: either converting GP Koirala College into a university or creating a new university that incorporates the college into its system. The college management and GP Koirala Foundation are inclined towards establishing a separate university.
Bhimsendas Pradhan, the president of the college, revealed that the initiative to establish the university began during the previous government's tenure. Under the guidance of renowned educationist Vidyanath Koirala, a preliminary draft of the university bill has been prepared. GP Koirala College, which is currently affiliated with Tribhuvan University, has served as a community model for the past 12 years.
The envisioned university strives to establish an educational system that effectively combines Eastern and Western knowledge. The teaching methodology will incorporate closed, open, and semi-modes, leveraging technological advancements. In a departure from recent universities, the university is enthusiastic about affiliating with other interested campuses instead of following a non-affiliation approach.
In order to establish the proposed Girija Prasad University, it has been suggested that 45 ropanis of land be acquired at two locations: Kathmandu or Sindhupalchowk. The aim of this new university is to address the current challenges faced by approximately 500 community campuses of TU, which are struggling due to a lack of students.
The university will adopt a Board of Trustees model, with the academic area chancellor assuming leadership responsibilities and the vice-chancellor overseeing specific duties. The university's chairman of the trustees will serve a maximum of two terms, and the current practice of having the Prime Minister as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Vice-Chancellor will be discontinued.
The establishment and functioning of the proposed university will receive financial support from all three levels of government as well as the community. The policy also permits investments from non-resident Nepalis and foreign donors who have roots in the country.
Furthermore, there is a proposition to facilitate collaborative programs with local and international educational, industrial, commercial, scientific, and technical institutions, subject to specific criteria and approval. This creates opportunities for mutual growth and development, ultimately improving the overall quality of education. The university aims to cultivate an environment that bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
