Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel Initiates Professor Exchange Program

Kathmandu. Minister of Education and Sports Sasmita Pokharel has stated that he has initiated efforts to bring a Professor Exchange Program to Tribhuvan University and other universities. Speaking at an event organized at TU on the occasion of its 67th anniversary, Education Minister Pokharel, who is also the co-chancellor, said that he has discussed this matter with ambassadors. Minister Pokharel said, “It is necessary to move forward with a new chapter while maintaining the old identity, by making the university a new center of excellence, an international standard university, and bringing foreign professors to Nepal and exchanging TU professors in foreign universities. When discussing with every ambassador, I urge them to facilitate a professor exchange program in Tribhuvan University and other universities. We have decided to advance higher education in a new way.” Minister Pokharel expressed his commitment to advancing higher education based on meritocracy by completely ending political interference and power-sharing in universities. He stated that the selection of the Vice-Chancellor through open competition for the first time in history has added new energy and commitment to the entire higher education sector. He said that within the next four years, all types of political pressure in transfers, promotions, and appointments in universities will be ended, and autonomy and academic freedom will be established. He also stated that the government is committed to bringing about significant reforms in higher education within the next five years by operating a ‘Professor Exchange Program’ with foreign universities, reclaiming TU’s encroached property, and establishing good governance. This is the Education Minister's Speech
A team has been formed to reform the university. I feel proud to lead the team. We have discussed the policies that the government will implement in higher education in the next five years. For the first time in Nepal's history, the Vice-Chancellor has been selected through open competition. This has added overall energy. And, all universities have moved forward with a new dedication and mission. This has added new energy to higher education in Nepal. We have discussed some matters with the Vice-Chancellors several times. We will end the politicalization in universities completely in the next four years. We have decided to build university teams based on meritocracy, not on power-sharing politics. Now, there will never be political interference. There will never be pressure to place someone somewhere politically, to transfer, promote, or appoint someone. If it happens, please inform the Ministry of Education immediately. We will work to advance the university based on meritocracy. We are ready to face any pressure from our party or any other party. Now, nothing political will happen in the university. It is necessary to remember the dreams with which the university was established. I request everyone to maintain the dignity of the position they hold. It is necessary to move forward with a new chapter while maintaining the old identity, by making the university a new center of excellence, an international standard university, and bringing foreign professors to Nepal and exchanging TU professors in foreign universities. When discussing with every ambassador, I urge them to facilitate a professor exchange program in Tribhuvan University and other universities. We have decided to advance higher education in a new way. There is a plan to give more freedom and autonomy to the university. Worldwide, professors practice academic freedom. However, we find it very little in Nepal. The government is committed to reclaiming TU’s property. It is necessary for all teams to move forward together on issues of establishing good governance. If professors have suggestions related to the university, the Vice-Chancellor’s door is always open. If you need to make special efforts at the ministry, you can come. We are committed to discussing making the academic sector professional. TU needs to be more responsible. Let’s move forward together as a team. Once again, I wish Tribhuvan University a happy 67th anniversary.