Devi Bhandari, Principal of Crimson College of Technology, Butwal, serves as the General Secretary of the Organization of Pokhara University Educational Institutions-Nepal (OPEN). Mr. Bhandari believes that colleges in Nepal could face closure if the government fails to address issues promptly. Students are increasingly inclined to neither remain nor pursue studies in Nepal. Mr. Bhandari has shared his perspectives on higher education in Nepal with College Readers. Excerpts:

The trend of students studying abroad has been steadily increasing over the past two years, directly impacting higher education in Nepal. How is the situation of higher education in Nepal beyond the valley?

This is an undeniable fact. If the problems are affecting the capital city, they are impacting regions outside the valley too. After finishing their 12th-grade education, students usually choose to pursue higher education in the capital city. Therefore, when the capital encounters difficulties, other parts of the country are also dealing with similar challenges. Currently, there seems to be a decreased interest among students in applying for admission here, unlike in the past years.

What do you think is the reason for students going abroad?
We strongly dislike the political aspect of our nation. The educational sector is consistently neglected in our national policies, lacking the prioritization it truly deserves. It appears that other ministries are deemed more important than the Ministry of Education. The absence of well-structured plans and policies gives the impression that the nation is indirectly encouraging young individuals to pursue education overseas.

We have not effectively emphasized the importance of education to our students. The national policy guides the direction of university education, which in turn influences the curriculum. The trend of studying abroad is not new; it has been prominent for the past 8 to 10 years. Initially, some may have sent money or valuables, but they could not generate sufficient income to support their education. I have observed instances where students with the potential to pursue an MBBS degree in Nepal are choosing to study veterinary and other general courses abroad. Young individuals are increasingly fixated on the notion that everything revolves around money. While I acknowledge that students have the option to study abroad at their discretion, my main argument is that the education we offer is of high quality and promotes competitiveness.

What do you think of the health science programs offered by Pokhara University?

According to Pokhara University, they are actively expanding their affiliations and introducing new academic programs. An example is the establishment of a 100-bed hospital, crucial for nursing programs. Many nursing schools closed due to inadequate healthcare facilities, but Pokhara University's initiative provides accessible and affordable options for students studying health sciences and nursing in Nepal, reducing the need to go abroad. Pokhara University also opened a college in Jhapa, conveniently located after Chitwan.

What areas of the curriculum, courses, and syllabi require enhancement or improvement?

While I may not be well-versed in traditional subjects, I can offer insights into modern programs such as health sciences and IT. These contemporary courses are updated every five years to stay current and well-maintained. Our course material is of high quality and aligns with global standards. However, we face challenges in delivering these courses effectively, including issues with teaching methods, insufficient equipment, and limitations in offering internships in Nepal.

In foreign countries, students often have the chance to balance learning with earning, a possibility not easily found in Nepal. This difference in job opportunities greatly influences students' decision to seek education abroad. How do you view this scenario?

When it comes to education, there are two crucial factors at play. Firstly, it's about the legacy and tradition in Nepal, where there's a long-standing practice of providing financial support to children until they get married. This tradition needs to change. In contrast, in foreign countries, parents typically stop providing financial assistance to their children once they reach the age of 18, which encourages early earning.

Secondly, there's a significant shortage of skilled labor in our nation. While politicians have a guaranteed salary and well-being, the same priority is not extended to the field of education. In Nepal, it's rare to find individuals with bachelor's degrees working as waiters or cleaners, whereas in foreign countries, this is common. This indicates a lack of respect for various job roles in Nepal, which in turn hinders the possibility of combining learning with earning, even though the opportunities exist.

Why do students choose Crimson College of Technology?
I want to inform parents that it's important not only to choose Crimson College but also to encourage their children to pursue their bachelor's degree within our country. Crimson College, a private institution operating for 24 years, has founders who consistently reinvest benefits for student welfare. We have ambitious plans to improve our facilities and services. Despite minor fluctuations in student numbers, our determination remains unwavering. We are dedicated to providing affordable healthcare through Crimson Hospital, where a ticket costs just Rs 100. Studying at Crimson College is not only cost-effective but also provides excellent opportunities compared to scholarships at other institutions. Furthermore, our alumni have easily found employment after graduating from our college.

What message do you want to convey to students who are unsure about choosing between studying in their home country or pursuing education abroad?

To high school graduates, I want to stress the importance of seizing the chance if you receive a scholarship to study overseas. Yet, I caution against enrolling in fully paid programs abroad, particularly if it strains a middle-class family's finances. In such instances, pursuing education in Nepal is a more practical choice. It's crucial to recognize that recent high school grads may still lack maturity and encounter difficulties with excessive independence, potentially steering them astray.