Opinion | Who would want to be a university vice chancellor in Nepal?
Summary
Nepal's government has removed politically appointed university vice chancellors aiming to depoliticise higher education, but this has led to a leadership crisis as the position no longer offers financial incentives or prestige. Qualified scholars hesitate to apply amid increased pressure and public scrutiny, challenging the future of university reform.
Key Points
- The Nepali government purged politically appointed university vice chancellors to depoliticise higher education.
- The university VC position is now unattractive to qualified scholars due to low pay, high pressure, and public hearings.
- Previous VC roles were lucrative due to access to illicit benefits, which has now been removed.
- The current selection process risks deterring dynamic leaders, potentially undermining university reforms.
