The process of selecting the VC for TU should be meticulous, transparent, and inclusive
Dr. Baburam Bhattarai's intellectual standing raises significant concerns, given his endorsement and active participation in a violent political movement - that resulted in the loss of thousands of precious lives - in pursuit of radical societal change.
Following the termination of the term of the incumbent vice-chancellor (VC) of Tribhuvan University (TU) in November, the esteemed academic institution has been functioning under the academic and administrative leadership of an interim VC. Regrettably, of late, the process of appointing a new VC has been marred by instances of political favoritism, a detrimental factor that has been identified as contributing to the declining overall standards of TU. Recent developments have cast a shadow on the integrity of the selection process, raising concerns about the potential compromise of academic excellence. The impact of these issues is evident in the latest Times Higher Education ranking, where Tribhuvan University has experienced a significant decline, plummeting to the disconcerting rank of 1201 in the global university ranking.
This decline is not only a reflection of the challenges faced by TU but also emphasizes the urgent need for a transparent and merit-based appointment process for the new VC. Addressing these issues will be crucial in restoring the academic reputation and standing of Tribhuvan University, ensuring its continued legacy as a pioneer in higher education within the country. In a groundbreaking move, the Prime Minister (PM), in the capacity of the chancellor of TU, had vowed to select the VC candidate out of the political basket and based on merit.
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Contrary to the pledged commitment, the selection and recommendation committee established to propose candidates for the VC's appointment initially issued a dubious call for applications. This call stipulated that aspiring candidates needed to submit a certified copy of the details of university officials who had served for a minimum of three years in any position. This requirement sparked immediate protest from stakeholders who perceived it as an indication of potential political interference aimed at favoring a specific politically-aligned candidate.
Fortunately, in response to the outcry, the notice was promptly withdrawn, and a new set of amended selection criteria was established. These revised criteria hold the potential to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, leading to the appointment of a VC based on merit and qualifications. The mentionable criterion is that the aspiring candidate should declare his/her disaffiliation with any political party. This corrective action reflects a commitment to transparency and fairness, instilling confidence in stakeholders and fostering the prospect of selecting a deserving candidate to assume the role of VC. However, considering historical precedents, it is challenging to completely rule out the possibility of a politically aligned candidate being chosen.
Dr. Bhattarai as the VC
Following repeated setbacks in the political arena, there are rumors circulating that former PM Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has expressed interest in assuming leadership of the country's oldest and largest university. Dr. Bhattarai, initially recognized as a School Leaving Certificate (SLC) board topper and later earning a PhD degree from the esteemed Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), is widely perceived in Nepalese society as an intellectual figure. It is worth noting that, debatably, Dr. Bhattarai's intellectual persona played a significant role in organizational flourishment of the decade-long Maoist violent movement. His intellectuality is still endorsed in the country.
While Dr. Bhattarai is undoubtedly an intellectual figure, it is essential to recognize that he may not be the ideal candidate to lead the TU. In a semi-literate society like Nepal, individuals with a PhD are often elevated to an almost mythical status, perceived as intellectuals akin to beings from outer space. Their opinions are given serious consideration. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that a PhD is primarily an academic qualification, and possessing this degree does not inherently confer intellectual prowess. Dr. Bhattarai's intellectual standing raises significant concerns, given his endorsement and active participation in a violent political movement - that resulted in the loss of thousands of precious lives - in pursuit of radical societal change.
A PhD represents a personal academic achievement, but true intellectual capacity is a cultivated behavioral trait that evolves through experience and diverse perspectives. Therefore, leadership qualities, administrative skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics within an academic institution should be the vital considerations when evaluating a candidate for the leadership role at TU. Dr. Bhattarai falls short of possessing these essential qualities for undertaking the responsibility of VC. Moreover, his track record is marked by a series of political failures and a lack of experience in an academic setting. A close examination of his curriculum vitae (CV) reveals a prolonged engagement in political activities throughout his life. While he holds a PhD degree from a reputed university, there is a notable absence of evidence indicating post-doctoral and teaching experience, a critical aspect in the academic realm. Dr. Bhattarai lacks a proven record of scholarly achievements, robust research publications, and contributions to the academic community. In fact, in esteemed global universities, executive roles are often filled by career professors. Therefore, Dr. Bhattarai, soon going to be a septuagenarian, is definitely not a suitable candidate for the VC position. Implementing this choice at TU would likely result in additional valuable four years being squandered.
Opting for a competent career professor
Current procedure for professorship tenure-tracking in Nepal does not align with international standards. Attaining the title of professor is a rigorous accomplishment in the global academic arena, typically requiring substantial contributions and expertise. In Nepal, however, even a lecturer at the +2 level is casually referred to as a professor, highlighting a stark contrast in the recognition of academic achievements. For example, in Germany, the conferment of a professorial title entails completing a PhD degree followed by a second dissertation (known as habilitation), emphasizing enhanced research, publication, teaching, and fund acquisition requisites. On the contrary, in Nepal, the promotion to a professorship can occur even without holding a PhD, allowing lecturers without a doctoral degree to ascend to the coveted academic rank.
The ideal candidate for the new VC position at TU should be a professor with substantial academic experience, aligning with the international standards of academic progression. To achieve this objective, the selection and recommendation committee should proactively solicit applications from a global pool of aspiring candidates. Drawing on my personal experience, I can attest to the presence of numerous world-class Nepali academicians in leading universities worldwide. Therefore, the committee should broaden its scope and consider applications from these distinguished academicians, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive selection process.
Furthermore, a comprehensive and unbiased review of each candidate's vision for the university's future, strategic planning capabilities, and a commitment to maintaining academic standards should be integral to the selection process. The candidate's understanding of the socio-economic context of Nepal and their ability to align the university's goals with the broader national development agenda should also be assessed. Likewise, the selection and recommendation committee should vehemently reject the consideration of candidates who have previously been tested and failed. Candidates facing allegations of plagiarism or moral and financial corruption should also be categorically excluded from consideration.
In conclusion, the process of selecting the VC for TU should be meticulous, transparent, and inclusive. By considering both academic and administrative competencies, as well as seeking input from diverse stakeholders, the university can ensure that the chosen leader is equipped to navigate the challenges of the evolving academic landscape and contribute significantly to the institution's continued success and development.
