Oxford College of Engineering and Management, a pioneer engineering college, is the first PU-affiliated college to introduce an IT program in Nepal. Under its network, there are other four educational enterprises, five schools, and one management college.

Prof. Er. Hari Bhandari is the Founder and Principal of Oxford College of Engineering and Management. Furthermore, he holds the position of Chairman in approximately 8 to 9 organizations. He has shared his view with College Readers. Excerpts:

 What are your thoughts on the deteriorating state of higher education in Nepal?

For quite some time, there has been a prevailing notion that higher education in Nepal is on a declining trajectory, though it might be more of a fluctuating situation. The statistics indicate that over 150,000 students are choosing to study abroad, and a significant 26% of the 17 billion budget is allocated for education overseas. This situation suggests that if these students obtain permanent residency abroad, it will not only impact higher education but also have repercussions for primary education in a few years. The entire education system in Nepal is under significant threat. Furthermore, the absence of Nepalese citizens would indirectly affect various other industries. This exodus would also have adverse economic consequences for Nepal.

Recent graduates primarily opt for consulting services, followed by internationally affiliated colleges, while they generally lack trust in colleges associated with Nepal. Is there a notable distinction in the curriculum between international and Nepalese institutions?

I've recently returned from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China, where approximately 22 Nepalese students are studying. I had conversations with five Nepalese bachelor's students there, and when asked about their educational experiences, they mentioned that if Nepal had fewer political issues and more opportunities, the quality of education up to the bachelor's level in Nepal would be excellent. In my opinion, the primary reason why students are reluctant to pursue their education in Nepal is the prevailing political instability, which has significantly impacted the educational system. The prolonged and untimely exam schedules and result publication are also attributed to political disruptions.

Furthermore, there's a common misconception among Nepalese students that they can earn vast sums of money abroad. Those who go abroad often share photos of their vacations rather than their work. Another concern is the lack of job security in Nepal after graduation. Lastly, many Nepalese students going abroad right after completing high school are not adequately focused on their studies.

 For me, a nation's strength lies in two core pillars: its human resources and its economy. Unfortunately, both are deteriorating day by day. While everyone has the freedom to go abroad for education, it's crucial to assess the university's ranking and whether students are receiving scholarships. Therefore, these factors should be considered when granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for studying abroad.

 What factors should be considered when issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

 It's crucial to understand what factors should be taken into consideration. Here is a list of key points:

 1. Scholarships: it should be determined whether students are eligible for scholarships. Scholarships should be made available for bachelor's level education.

 2. University Ranking: the ranking of the university they intend to attend is important. The university should be within the top 1000 in global rankings.

 3. Affordability: the affordability of the foreign university's fees must be assessed to ensure that they are within reach for Nepalese families.

 4. Internships: there should be a documented plan clarifying the availability of job internships provided by the university.

 5. Financial Planning:  a financial plan for sending money and paying taxes to the government needs to be established.

 6. Return Agreement: the government should establish an agreement specifying when Nepalese students are expected to return to Nepal after completing their studies abroad.

 7. Academic Direction: the government should track the academic progress of Nepalese students, particularly whether they are pursuing careers as scientists, doctors, engineers, and the like.

 8. Unique Courses: students should be allowed to go abroad to study subjects that are not available in Nepal.

These considerations play a significant role in making informed decisions regarding the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for studying abroad.

Is it possible to align the curriculum with a learning and earning approach in Nepal?

I believe that trying to integrate learning and earning at the bachelor's level is not feasible, as it may hinder students' focus on their studies. At the bachelor's level, students typically have six hours of regular classes, and if they then return home to study for an additional 2 or 3 hours, it becomes challenging to achieve high academic performance. Therefore, I don't support the idea of simultaneously pursuing earning and learning during undergraduate education, as students are more inclined to prioritize earning over studying. As a result, the government should scrutinize whether students are genuinely pursuing education or employment when granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

In Nepal, there are two distinct categories of colleges: international and national affiliated institutions. Surprisingly, many students in Nepal tend to favor international affiliated colleges. What's the reason behind this preference?

The curriculum is of utmost importance and must be regularly revised and updated to align with industry needs and modern standards. The curriculum should reflect market demands and be standardized. It's often observed that those who send their children abroad for education are wealthy businessmen or politicians involved in corruption. As a research scholar, I have noticed that, firstly, some parents opt for expensive colleges for the prestige they offer. Alternatively, in internationally affiliated colleges, there are numerous assignments, sometimes outsourced by students, in addition to exams lasting over three hours. However, students who perform well in Nepalese universities excel across the country due to their dedication and hard work. It's also notable that Nepalese university instructors challenge students with difficult questions. Regrettably, Tribhuvan University employs such tactics under the guise of ensuring quality. When it comes to exam quality, I believe that approximately 30% of the questions should be easy, 30% moderate, and the remaining percentage should be challenging. The motivation for students to study abroad is often the belief that they might pursue postgraduate studies or relocate in the future, prompting them not to delay. The government should carefully manage the allocation of quotas and consider the international universities and their rankings when assessing education opportunities.

With the current downturn in higher education, there is a growing concern that this situation could also have repercussions on the primary education level. Given the substantial investments made in establishing private colleges, is there a sense of pessimism among those involved in this matter?

It's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, being both pessimistic and optimistic as the situation demands. Escaping from our country or succumbing to frustration won't provide a solution. Instead, we should calmly seek out alternatives. Even if this interview is well-written, the information needs to reach the ears of experts. We are in the information age, where the dissemination of information is inevitable. I would like to request that, in addition to written mediums, this information should also be shared through social platforms. In this era, people read books and then turn to the internet for further exploration. Change is essential. Every system has its optimal level, and when it reaches a breaking point, a new form emerges. So, we should maintain our hopes and expectations for positive change.

 What is the significance of engineering education in Nepal?
Engineering education holds immense importance. Many of the individuals who have made significant progress in various fields have backgrounds in engineering. Even the wealthiest individual, Bill Gates, has a degree in electronics and communication engineering. Likewise, prominent figures like Nitesh Kumar Singh in India have engineering backgrounds. Engineers are among the most valuable human resources, as they are responsible for planning, designing, manufacturing, and maintaining a wide range of systems and technologies. However, there's currently a declining interest in studying engineering due to the allure of other fields. This trend isn't unique to Nepal; Japan is also experiencing a shortage of engineers, leading to a need for imparting education. Additionally, there is a considerable lack of health education in Nepal, as evidenced by the closure of nursing campuses. The educational system in Nepal needs serious consideration and reform.

 What factors should be considered when evaluating Pokhara University?
In the context of Nepal, I have yet to come across any university with a more promising future than Pokhara University. While internet rankings might depict Kathmandu University at the top, followed by Tribhuvan University, and only then Pokhara University, it doesn't necessarily reflect the ground reality. In terms of the education system, Pokhara University currently stands as a leading institution. In a relatively short period, it has attracted a substantial student body. Pokhara University has expanded its course offerings, consistently reviewed, and updated its curriculum, and provided affiliations to numerous programs. When it comes to management studies, Pokhara University is the pioneer, offering programs like BBA, MBA, and IT. Furthermore, some engineering courses are also offered by Pokhara University. However, it's worth noting that political disturbances have been a drawback, and improving the influence of politics within the university is an area that requires attention.
 

What are the reasons for students to opt for Oxford College of Engineering and Management?

To gain the trust and favor of students, several factors should be considered. First and foremost, quality is a key consideration. We have already earned numerous international awards as a testament to our commitment to excellence. When it comes to academic performance, in our 8th semester of engineering, a remarkable 70 out of 80 students successfully passed, and 10 students even achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Additionally, we take pride in our well-maintained infrastructure. Our founder and teachers are consistently accessible, as we place great importance on providing dedicated service. We have fostered a socio-cultural environment that promotes both healthy and educated interactions. It's worth noting that our institution is strictly apolitical, and we do not entertain any form of political interference or disruption, ensuring a peaceful and focused learning atmosphere.

What message would you like to convey to parents and the students who have just completed their plus two education?

I'd like to make a heartfelt plea to parents and offer a suggestion to students. Parents need to realize that most students who go abroad after completing their plus two level do not study diligently, with only a very small percentage truly dedicated to their studies. Parents often worry when their children go for a night out, but they might not fully consider the safety and challenges their child could face in a foreign country.

Parents must comprehend the potential difficulties their children may encounter abroad. It's essential to remember that everyone ages, and when parents grow older, their children may not be there to assist them. As a piece of advice to my students, I would suggest going abroad for further education after completing their bachelor's degree and then returning to their home country to contribute to its development.