UGC struggles to monitor universities and foster new knowledge
Summary
The University Grants Commission is pushing for a national academic calendar and sweeping reform as it struggles to monitor a growing number of universities and improve knowledge production. Education experts are urging stronger research-focused institutions, better peer review, and a more effective funding model.
Key Points
- The University Grants Commission has introduced a national academic calendar and wants to reform higher education governance in Nepal.
- UGC chairman Dr. Khadga KC says the 33-year-old UGC Act needs review and the commission should become a stronger regulatory body.
- Experts including Dr. Bidhyanath Koirala and Pratyush Onta say Nepal needs better research institutions, peer review, and a more practical university structure.
- The government allocates about Rs. 21 to 22 billion annually for higher education, with most of it going to Tribhuvan University.
