Dr. Nar Bahadur Bista, Principal of Uniglobe College, has been rendering his services to management education for more than two decades. He is also the Vice President of Organization of Pokhara University Educational Institutions-Nepal (OPEN). Uniglobe College, established in 2009 in affiliation with Pokhara University, a premier management college in Nepal, is committed to generating and disseminating revolutionary concepts within the realm of management education. From 2009 onwards, the college has been offering courses including BBA, BBA-BI, MBA, and MBA in Finance. Dr. Bista has expressed his opinions and insights on current issues of higher education in Nepal. Excerpts:

With over two decades of experience in management education, you have observed notable fluctuations and changes in Nepal's higher education landscape. What potential advancements have you identified in higher education in management?

The presence of private sectors in our nation has sparked a significant revolution in the realm of education, leading to a notable improvement in the quality of education offered, now aligned with international standards. This enhancement includes a mix of theoretical, practical, and behavioral knowledge. The increasing trend of students seeking education abroad has driven the development of substantial educational infrastructure within colleges. Educational institutions that have delivered high-quality teaching, excellent facilities, and well-developed infrastructure are also grappling with challenges due to low student enrollment. However, this trend has presented challenges for sectors like engineering, medicine, and more. In response to this global inclination, Uniglobe College has diligently provided essential facilities, modern equipment, qualified teachers, infrastructure, and a curriculum that promotes competitiveness, meets students' demands, and aligns with international standards. Despite a slight decrease in student enrollments compared to previous years, our motivation remains strong. We recognize that business operations follow a cyclical pattern, with both favorable and challenging phases. The challenges encountered in the education sector are intertwined with the economic constraints of our country. The availability of easily accessible visas and job opportunities abroad has attracted students to pursue education overseas, but this issue is temporary. As a team at Uniglobe College, including the director and instructors, as well as valuable contributors to the education sector, it is crucial for us to consistently exert our utmost efforts regardless of profit or loss. With a positive outlook, we persist in our pursuit of excellence in this field, aiming for a bright future.

Colleges in Nepal are constructing educational institutions that match the standards of international colleges in terms of facilities, education quality, and infrastructure. But also, the students are going abroad rapidly. Is this due to a deficiency in promoting our domestic education system or are there other factors driving this notable increase in students seeking overseas education opportunities?

Nepal's schools and colleges are undergoing a rapid process of modernization and advancement, surpassing the standards of previous years. Despite being government-run, universities in Nepal are committed to delivering the quality of education that aligns with students' demands. The educational system in Nepal stands at a significantly advanced and elevated level compared to most other nations.

The primary reason behind the declining attraction of students towards their own country's educational institutions is the scarcity of employment prospects while studying and after their studies. Students are seeking an environment where they can study while working at a bachelor’s level and master’s level. But our country lacks job opportunities which leads the students to get discouraged from studying in Nepal. Additionally, the country's fragile economic condition contributes to the uncertainty surrounding careers and prospects. To address these challenges, educational institutions, from schools to universities, should focus on providing employment-oriented education tailored towards fostering job creators rather than job seekers. This approach could potentially lead one student to generate employment opportunities for up to ten others.

The government should lead in providing employment-oriented and production-oriented education. Until the government directs its attention and enforces these regulations, a viable solution will remain elusive, and Nepal will remain underprivileged forever. Therefore, the nation must formulate a clear and distinct vision and mission to navigate this challenge effectively. But in the context of Nepal, the government’s instability, lack of clear vision, and the difference in the policy and its implementation have affected the nation. A frequent change in education policy has waned the morale and staggered optimism of the private players.

Between 2048 and 2052, the government introduced a thoughtful policy aimed at giving a boost to education through the involvement of private organizations. This step paved the way for the growth and establishment of private players in the education sector, who managed to keep students from seeking education abroad by offering high-quality learning on par with international standards. As a result, these private institutions thrived, seeing substantial financial gains and remarkable expansion. However, a turning point came with the implementation of the Federal Education Act, driven by a mix of envy and competition. This legal move caused the private education sector to take a step back, returning to its initial stages and resulting in a shortage of job opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2009, you have been an integral part of Uniglobe College, encountering various obstacles and achievements. You have seen notable fluctuations in higher education since last year. How does Uniglobe College stand out from others in providing top-notch education?

Uniglobe College maintains a stellar reputation and has had no disputes. However, there has been a slight disruption at the master’s level as students are increasingly valuing studying in their home country due to rising visa rejections. Consequently, this year has seen a more relaxed attitude from students. I anticipate this trend will normalize within the next two or three years, maintaining an optimistic outlook. Uniglobe College is esteemed as a top institution in management education, having received the Best Business School Award from College Readers and various accolades from esteemed organizations.

In Nepal, we have successfully hosted the 12th International Conferences, a record number. We are also recognized for conducting the highest number of such conferences. Over 500 students have visited 38 colleges/universities, enriching their learning experiences. Our global engagement is evident through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with around 32 foreign institutions. Research is a key focus, with BBA and MBA students contributing research articles and producing 16 journals annually, a notable achievement in Nepal. The Business Incubation Centre nurtures students' entrepreneurial aspirations, a pioneering concept introduced in 2016.

We are pleased to see other schools embracing this initiative. Our commitment to holistic learning is showcased through state-of-the-art facilities and events like the Management Feast, offering diverse competitions. We integrate practical training into the curriculum, equipping students with research skills, business development plans, and resume refinement. Our hands-on approach allows students to engage with national and international figures, while vibrant clubs like Readers and Writing promote active participation. Annual job fairs and high job placement rates distinguish Uniglobe College as a leader in education.

Uniglobe College leads in Nepal to offer students initial job placements. How much do students typically engage in these job placements you provide?

Each year, we receive about 40 to 50 proposals, but only 6 to 7 ideas materialize into real businesses. Despite facing challenges and successes, each year sees the launch of around 6 to 7 thriving ventures. The period of 2020/2021 saw a slight decrease in accomplishments due to the pandemic's influence. In the initial phase of 2016/2017, we kickstarted approximately 12 enterprises. Looking forward to the fact that we aim to establish 20 businesses in the upcoming year.

The realization of the college's potential hinges on research and innovation, and Uniglobe College is actively cultivating these elements. How do research and innovation contribute to supporting students?

Our emphasis lies on research and innovation to foster innovation and global awareness, as well as to establish meaningful connections with society. Within our research efforts, we engage in both technical and academic investigations. Additionally, our innovation endeavors encompass comprehensive technological education, notably including computer science and information technology (IT). We have a department for the establishment of computer and IT industries.

How is Uniglobe incorporating the teaching and learning process with digitization?

We've implemented a comprehensive MIS (Management Information System) across the board. All assignments, homework, and tasks are digitized, ensuring transparency, and eliminating the need for paper usage. Our entire operations, starting from admissions, have transitioned to a paperless approach. Moreover, our classrooms are fully equipped with digital technology. We even take international classes and establish a way to study for the absent students online. To support this, we provide high-speed internet facilities and other necessary resources for seamless integration.

The majority of university courses are fairly similar. However, on occasion, due to the university's programs and activities, students opt not to enroll in that particular institution. What aspects have been enhanced by Pokhara University?

Pokhara University has consistently offered cutting-edge and inventive courses in the realm of education. It pioneered the semester system and stands out by providing over 50% practical courses, like 50% in BBA and 60% in MBA, a proportion that surpasses that of other universities. One notable aspect of Pokhara University is that a significant portion of elective concentration courses or specialization courses are assessed and designed by experienced professionals who serve as teachers or professors, which is an international process. The first and last trimester of the MBA is conducted by Pokhara University and the other intermediate trimester is conducted by professors and teachers. The MBA program operates autonomously under Pokhara University, boasting a curriculum that remains up-to-date and relevant. Certain mandatory courses have undergone revisions, leading to changes such as the transformation of BHM and similarly BCIS into BSc IT. The BBA curriculum was streamlined in the previous year, while both this year and five years ago witnessed a similar refinement in the MBA program.

Lastly, what message would you like to communicate to students who are awaiting their enrollment?

We possess globally recognized educational institutions within Nepal. Even government colleges in our country are becoming increasingly competitive. Nepal, being an underdeveloped country, holds a wealth of opportunities, whereas, in developed nations, these opportunities often come with time limitations. Opting to study in Nepal is advantageous, considering it's our homeland, and our efforts can contribute to its progress.