Dhulikhel: Prime Minister and Chancellor of Kathmandu University (KU), Sushila Karki, announced that foundational steps are being taken to appoint academic individuals as Chancellors in Nepalese universities. During the 31st Convocation (First Phase) of KU in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk, she highlighted the government’s engagement in this initiative, which includes consultations with university vice-chancellors, senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Karki emphasized the need to revise the current provision allowing the Prime Minister to appoint university vice-chancellors. Education Minister Mahabir Pun has been actively involved in discussions and preparations with relevant bodies to facilitate this change.
Prime Minister Karki stated, “We are working towards amending the related Act to ensure that a professional academic person can become the Chancellor.” She expressed her belief that this amendment would help depoliticize Nepal’s higher education system.
Highlighting her role as Prime Minister, Karki noted the new political context reflects the evolving mindset of the youth, who demand high-quality education, skills, employment, and prosperity within Nepal. She affirmed the government’s commitment to laying the foundation to meet these expectations.
PM Karki also addressed the development of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology in Nepal’s higher education sector, acknowledging the natural aspirations for change among the youth. She pointed out that investment in higher education remains inadequate and stressed the need for increased funding to meet these aspirations.
Karki urged other universities to adopt the successful initiatives and models implemented by KU to enhance Nepal’s higher education. She highlighted areas such as innovation, academic competence, and fair compensation for teachers and staff as practices other universities should emulate.
The Prime Minister instructed all relevant agencies, through the Education Minister, to create an environment that delivers quality education at affordable costs and to continuously introduce new programs while maintaining educational excellence.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, and Vice-Chancellor of KU, Mahabir Pun. A total of 2,209 students graduated from various disciplines during the ceremony.