In a historic move, Tribhuvan University invites Nepali citizens to apply for Vice-Chancellor position; 43 applicants step forward, including current Mid-West University VC, Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh. Excerpts from the conversation between Jeetendra Ghimire, CEO of College Readers, and Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh:

Tribhuvan University has initiated its inaugural open competition for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor, and you have submitted an application for the position. Do you anticipate that the selection process will be effective and conducive to a healthy outcome?

During Tribhuvan University's convocation ceremony, Honorable Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal Prachanda announced the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor based on open competitions, free from political influence, to ensure qualified leadership—a decision positively received by the masses. However, concerns arose regarding criteria favoritism, prompting the Prime Minister's intervention for reforms. Despite adjustments, dissatisfaction remains with the criteria, which heavily prioritize presentation and practical aspects over academics, disregarding valuable contributions such as authored books. Additionally, while the selection committee, led by the esteemed education minister and education secretary, is commendable, the inclusion of Associate Professors, rather than full Professors, raises concerns about hierarchical compatibility in the selection process. This discrepancy challenges the process's integrity and universal satisfaction.

Considering your current leadership responsibilities at Mid-West University, your candidacy for the VC position at Tribhuvan University prompts inquiries about your plans for effectively overseeing both institutions. How do you intend to implement strategies that ensure the seamless and efficient functioning of Tribhuvan University if appointed as VC?

With over 28 years of teaching experience at Tribhuvan University, I possess an in-depth understanding of its operations and intricacies. Currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Mid-West University, I was selected from a pool of 33 candidates based on my qualifications and forward-thinking approach. Merely formulating plans without executing them yields limited success. Success demands a blend of visionary insight and decisive action.

A successful individual seamlessly integrates vision with action. Over my tenure at Mid-West University, spanning 3 and a half years, I've exemplified this ethos through collaborative teamwork. Our university boasts exceptional physical infrastructure and academic enhancements, including novel initiatives like a two-star hotel and herbal processing units. We've invested in cutting-edge facilities such as molecular labs, genomic labs, and biodiversity projects, aligning our curriculum with contemporary societal needs.

Emphasizing practical learning, we strive for a curriculum comprising 70% hands-on experience and 30% theoretical instruction. Through international partnerships and MOUs, we've expanded our global reach, effecting transformative changes within our institution. Our dedication is evident in our 16-hour workdays, as we eschew outsourcing planning efforts, preferring to invest our own hard work.

While I don't deem my candidacy obligatory, I advocate for a visionary and dedicated leader to helm Tribhuvan University. The individual occupying this esteemed position must possess qualifications and dedication commensurate with my own. Vision, dedication, and transformative leadership are imperative qualities for the Vice Chancellorship of Tribhuvan University.

In the Nepalese context, despite the Vice Chancellor's merits, qualifications, and dedicated efforts, hidden forces often undermine their authority with numerous controversies, hindering effective work. What are your thoughts on this matter?

To address these issues, certain measures can be taken. Firstly, the Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University should publicly declare their non-affiliation with any political parties. If the individual comes from a private educational background, they should affirm their commitment to avoiding conflicts of interest with Tribhuvan University. Additionally, the appointment of the VC should be based on unanimous decision-making to minimize internal misunderstandings and conflicts within the university.

Secondly, the VC should be provided with a clear list of tasks to be completed within specified timelines or deadlines. Furthermore, the VC should have autonomy in forming their own team and should be empowered to appoint and dismiss professors, staff, and administrative personnel, including the registrar and rector.

While Tribhuvan University has a presence across all 7 provinces, I believe the cooperation format should be revised, especially concerning examination procedures, to adhere strictly to the national calendar established by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Moreover, emphasis should be placed on digitalizing university operations and enhancing physical infrastructure to create an appealing and conducive learning environment right from the university's entrance.

Tribhuvan University boasts the largest student enrollment, comprising nearly 70% of the total student population in Nepal. However, amidst political instability and the unregulated state of the education system, students increasingly favor studying abroad. In light of this trend, we cannot ignore the possibility of university classrooms emptying in the near future. What strategies can be implemented to address the challenges posed by these circumstances?

The current situation did not arise overnight. Had 90% of political leaders and influential figures prioritized education and healthcare, Nepal would not be facing its current predicament. The distribution of key positions to cronies under political pressure has disillusioned the youth. Additionally, Nepal struggles to offer viable job opportunities. To address these issues, political stability must be achieved through mutual understanding.

Over the past 15 years, more than six lakhs of students have left Nepal to study abroad, resulting in a significant drain on the national budget. Despite this, the government continues to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign studies. Since 1990, Nepal's condition has signaled a lack of resources, necessitating a 50-year national plan for development.

This plan should include effective resource allocation across various fields, including medicine, engineering, humanities, and management, as outlined in the Level Manpower Development Program (LMDP). Each university's Vice-Chancellor should be tasked with producing skilled human resources to drive national development.

Mutual understanding and cooperation are essential for national peace. Industrialization across all seven provinces in agriculture, herbal industries, and tourism will lead to economic stability. With the successful implementation of this model, students will be less inclined to study abroad.

In South Korea, where agriculture, industries, and the service sector contribute significantly to the economy, Nepal has the potential to support a larger population but lacks adequate plans and programs. Development initiatives must be given sufficient time to yield tangible results. As someone with firsthand experience of both struggle and prosperity in developed countries, I believe professors should leverage their expertise for the betterment of society and the nation.

Unfortunately, innovation and research efforts among professors in Nepal are minimal, with only 5% focusing on patent rights and scientific advancements. Unlike Chandigarh University in India, which has achieved remarkable growth in just 11 years, Nepal's universities, except for Tribhuvan University, lack patent rights. Students studying abroad specialize in subjects like artificial intelligence, biodiversity, genomic science, biomedical sciences, nanotechnology, and machine learning.

With courses changing every 10 to 12 years, student interest declines due to outdated curriculum and padlocks. The VC of Tribhuvan University should possess the capability to implement drastic changes with a comprehensive vision. It is essential for individuals holding such positions to understand Nepal's education system compared to foreign universities and the process of acquiring patent rights.

If you were to assume the role of VC at Tribhuvan University through fair competition, what would the structure and configuration of Tribhuvan University look like after four years?

During the initial six months of my tenure, I intend to enhance the ambiance and infrastructure of Tribhuvan University. This includes installing water fountains, establishing convenient pathways for access, and creating study spaces throughout the campus. Ensuring cleanliness in classrooms and restrooms will be a priority, along with improving facilities such as the library, canteen, and playgrounds.

In the past, some of my ideas and initiatives were imitated by competitors, and I hope to avoid such occurrences this time. It's important to recognize that significant changes cannot be achieved solely within a four-year term; sustained effectiveness in every aspect, particularly in educational programs, should span at least eight years. The Prime Minister holds a crucial role in facilitating these initiatives, and I am thankful for the decision to open competitions for the VC position. With proper implementation, we can anticipate positive developments for the nation.

Do you have confidence that the selection process will be impartial, fair, and free from nepotism?

I find the outlined criteria to be inadequate for a VC on a global scale. In a democratic society, we should be able to express our opinions and perspectives freely. Ultimately, if an individual possesses passion, compassion, and the ability to turn visions into actions, they can certainly transform any institution. It's essential to establish a competent team through fair competition and select individuals dedicated to enhancing both Tribhuvan University and the nation as a whole.