In recent years, Tikapur, located in the Kailali district, has emerged as a prominent educational hub. The town is home to Birendra Bidhya Mandir Secondary School, the first school established in the region's educational sector. Originally known as Tikapur Residential Secondary School, it underwent a name change in 2026 and became the first school to offer science education at the proficiency certificate level.
However, despite the advancements in the education sector, Tikapur faces challenges in retaining students for higher education. While there are four schools in Tikapur that offer science education, the lack of bachelor's-level programs in the city compels students to seek opportunities elsewhere. Economic constraints and limited options often force students to migrate, depriving Tikapur of their talent.
Ganesh Khatri, a student from Tikapur, explains his own situation, stating that he had to leave Tikapur due to the unavailability of higher-level science education. He chose mathematics as an alternative, as his family's circumstances did not allow him to study outside the city. This trend of students leaving for better opportunities is common, especially for those interested in technical fields.
Prakash Regmi, the principal of Birendra Bidhya Mandir Secondary School, acknowledges the difficulty in retaining students and directs high-achieving students toward Kathmandu. The students who remain in Tikapur often come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or hilly areas. Dharmaraj Sharma, the principal of Karnali Secondary School, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the challenges in retaining students after the Secondary Education Examination (SEE).
To address this issue, local authorities have taken responsibility for coordinating with parents and creating a conducive environment for studying in Tikapur. Tej Raj Khanal, the principal of Radiant Montessori English (RME) School, stresses the need for a favorable environment for higher education. He believes that implementing programs that build trust among parents and assure them of their children's success in Tikapur could help prevent students from leaving the city.
Furthermore, the demand for technical education is on the rise in Tikapur, with students seeking to advance their studies beyond the lower levels. The town currently has four agricultural technical campuses, offering programs such as Intermediate of Science (ISc) and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Ag). However, studying subjects outside of agriculture or technical fields remains a challenge, with limited options on campuses.
Bhimram Chapai, the local coordinator of the Agricultural Science Department, highlights the need to align educational programs with students' needs and demands. Paras Khadka, the head of Tikapur Polytechnic Institute, emphasizes the importance of integrating practical skills into education, as theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient.
As Tikapur aspires to become a thriving education hub, addressing the challenges of providing diverse higher education programs and creating an environment that fosters students' success are crucial steps in retaining local talent and building a strong educational foundation.
