Kavrepalanchok — Prime Minister and Chancellor of Kathmandu University (KU) Sushila Karki has announced that the government is actively working toward appointing academically qualified individuals as university chancellors across Nepal.
Addressing the first phase of KU’s 31st convocation ceremony held today in Dhulikhel, PM Karki said that the government has begun consultations with vice-chancellors, senior university leadership, and other stakeholders to reform the current system. She emphasized that the move aims to ensure that academic institutions are led by professionals rather than political figures.
PM Karki stated that the long-standing provision allowing the Prime Minister to serve as university chancellor needs revision. According to her, Education Minister Mahabir Pun has already initiated discussions and groundwork with concerned bodies to amend this structure.
“We are moving toward amending the law to ensure that chancellors are academic experts,” she said, expressing confidence that such a change would end the tradition of political influence in Nepal’s higher education system.
Highlighting the rising expectations of young people, PM Karki said her appointment as Prime Minister reflects the changing political climate shaped by Nepal’s youth. She underscored that quality higher education, skills development, employment, and aspirations for prosperity must be fulfilled within the country—a message strongly reinforced by the recent Gen-Z movement.
“We are committed to laying the foundation to meet these aspirations,” she added.
PM Karki also spoke about the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Nepal’s academic sector, noting that young people’s desire for change is natural. However, she stressed that Nepal’s investment in higher education remains insufficient and must increase to meet these expectations.
Calling for the depoliticization of the education sector, she said unnecessary party interference has long hampered Nepal’s higher education system. The government, she assured, has begun taking concrete steps to address the issue.
PM Karki praised Kathmandu University for its positive reforms and encouraged other universities to follow KU’s model, particularly in innovation, academic competency, fair remuneration for faculty and staff, and overall institutional effectiveness.
She also directed all relevant agencies, through the education minister, to help create an environment where students can access quality education at an affordable cost within Nepal, while promoting new academic programs aligned with global standards.
Education, Science, and Technology Minister—and KU Pro-Chancellor—Mahabir Pun was also present at the event. A total of 2,209 students from various disciplines graduated during the ceremony.
