The proliferation of universities without a concerted effort to enhance their quality is a worrying trend. The situation in most universities, except for a few notable exceptions like Kathmandu University, is far from satisfactory. It is high time that the government directs its attention towards making the existing universities outstanding educational institutions rather than creating more mediocre ones.

Education serves as the bedrock for a nation's progress, empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and driving social and economic development. However, a concerning trend has emerged in our country in recent years, with an increasing number of youths seeking higher education abroad. This brain drain poses a significant challenge to our nation's development, necessitating immediate action from the government. The primary reason behind this exodus of students is the lack of quality education in our existing universities. While we have a proud history with institutions like Tribhuvan University, there has been a glaring lack of focus on making them centers of excellence. Instead of investing in improving the quality of education and infrastructure in these universities, our policy makers seem more inclined towards establishing new universities. Nepal already has 13 universities, with preparations already underway to establish an additional five. This approach is fundamentally flawed and does little to address the root cause of the problem.

The proliferation of universities without a concerted effort to enhance their quality is a worrying trend. The situation in most universities, except for a few notable exceptions like Kathmandu University, is far from satisfactory. It is high time for the government to direct its attention towards making the existing universities outstanding educational institutions rather than creating more mediocre ones. Furthermore, establishing universities after political leaders should not be the sole consideration for their establishment. While it is essential to honor the contributions of great leaders like Girija Prasad Koirala, the mere act of opening a university in their name does not guarantee excellence in educational activities. Instead, the focus should be on investing in the existing universities and providing them with the necessary resources to deliver high-quality education.

The government's approach of creating subject-specific universities also needs re-evaluation. Rather than increasing the number of such universities, the emphasis should be on strengthening the schools within the existing institutions. By establishing specialized schools within universities, such as the Girija Prasad Koirala School of Political Sciences, healthy competition can be fostered, driving excellence and innovation. The renowned Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University serves as an excellent example of how this approach can yield outstanding results. In addition to these measures, the government should consider adopting the school system instead of the current department system in universities. This change would facilitate educational upgrading and contribute to overall improvement. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that opening a university is not a decision to be taken lightly. Extensive feasibility studies should be conducted to ensure that the country can sustain and benefit from such institutions in the long run. It is essential to avoid the pitfalls of opening universities merely to accommodate favored individuals and their families, as this results in wasted resources and hampers the growth of educational institutions.

When announcing new initiatives, the government must prioritize the needs of the country over short-term applause. Responsible leadership requires a thorough understanding of the practicality and sustainability of such endeavors. A university is not a transient establishment that can be closed down if it fails to generate immediate results. It is a long-term commitment that demands careful planning and consideration. Investing in quality education is an investment in the future of our nation. The government must shift its focus from quantity to quality, redirecting resources towards improving the existing educational institutions. By doing so, we can retain our talented youth, attract foreign students, and develop a skilled workforce that can drive our country forward. It is high time that the government takes decisive action and demonstrates its commitment to providing quality education to all its citizens.

 
• universities
 
• government
 
• educational_institutions