The selection committee has finalised three names for the position of Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU). The committee, formed under the chairmanship of Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel, has settled on three names for the TU vice-chancellor post.
“The names have been finalised. Now, once the minister recommends them to the Chancellor, one of the three will be appointed vice-chancellor,” a source at Singha Durbar said. However, the names have not yet been made public.
The shortlist of 10 included Amar Prasad Yadav, Kavi Prasad Pokharel, Krishna Raj Acharya, Govinda Subedi, Tanka Nath Dhamala, Tara Prasad Bhusal, Durga Datta Poudel, Nanda Bahadur Singh, Bhola Thapa, and Ram Prasad Regmi.
After presentations and interviews with these 10 candidates, the committee narrowed the list down to three. A total of 50 people had applied for the TU vice-chancellor position.
Thapa, Poudel, and Singh in discussion
According to TU officials, three names are being discussed for vice-chancellor: Prof. Dr Bhola Thapa, Prof. Dr Durga Datta Poudel, and Prof. Dr Nanda Bahadur Singh.
Thapa, one of those in discussion, is a former vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University. He joined Kathmandu University as an assistant professor through open competition and rose through the ranks: professor, assistant dean, executive dean, before becoming registrar. He became vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University in January 2021, during the Covid period. He is now running for TU vice-chancellor.
Another contender in discussion is Poudel, who has experience working at the University of Louisiana in the United States. He plans to bring his experience from foreign universities to contribute to Nepal’s university system. Even while based in the US, he has remained connected to Nepal’s academic sector.
Similarly, Singh is a former vice-chancellor of Mid-Western University. A TU professor, Singh was appointed vice-chancellor of Mid-Western University in 2019. He is now in the race for TU vice-chancellor.
Names finalised for 8 universities
The recommendation committee has finalised three names each for the vice-chancellor posts of 8 universities; Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, and Rajarshi Janak University.
The committee selected the names with the involvement of experts. After the shortlist of 10 was made public, public suggestions were also collected. Committee members were also present during the final interviews. An open call for the new vice-chancellor had been issued on 25 May 8, with a 10-day window.
TU received 50 applications for vice-chancellor, Purbanchal University 38, Pokhara University 38, Far-Western University 19, Mid-Western University 20, Lumbini Buddhist University 11, Agriculture and Forestry University 15, and Rajarshi Janak University 27, a total of 218 applications across all eight universities.
The selection committee finalised the names after interviewing and reviewing presentations from the 10 shortlisted candidates. The finalised names have not been publicly disclosed.
Minimum qualifications included a completed PhD, 10 years of experience in research and academia, a minimum age of 40, and high moral character.
In the first phase, an expert committee conducted a preliminary evaluation of candidates’ academic qualifications, research experience, strategic vision, action plans, and presentations, and publicised the shortlist of 10 highest scorers.
Presentations and interviews followed after public opinions and suggestions on the candidates were collected.
The process to select a new vice-chancellor began after vice-chancellors were removed from office via ordinance. The open call was carried out to prevent political interference in the university and ensure a qualified candidate is appointed.
