The ongoing debates regarding the appointment of Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor (VC) indicate that academia must be freed from partisan control. Political appointments have been the norm for far too long, and it is time for a change. After years of politicised appointments, there is a serious debate on merit-based selection of a VC that could be a light in the tunnel. However, merely replacing the VC may not be effective if political patrons continue to dominate campus gates. It is high time we implemented a merit-based selection process and liberated campuses from any political influence, including the party-affiliated organisations of university teachers, employees, and students.

We have observed that even the most forward-thinking VCs dedicated to reform cannot accomplish anything amid a climate of ideological confrontation, strikes and vandalism instigated by politically affiliated actors. To achieve structural detoxification, it is essential to eliminate party-front student groups just as merit-based leadership changes are necessary in universities. This hard-hitting fact is well-known to politicians such as Nepali Congress leaders Sher Bahadur Deuba and Gagan Thapa, among others, most of whom were TU alums and now hold political power and policymaking positions in the country.

Some may argue that student organisations in Nepal have historically played a crucial role in fighting against autocratic regimes and feudal practices. While that may have been a valid argument in the past, after the 1990s movement, major political parties began to manipulate student groups by using them as a tool (as their parties' youth wings) to develop loyal members for electoral and protest mobilisation. This practice has corrupted the traditional ideological culture of the students' politics and transformed them from advocating for educational and democratic rights to pursuing vested partisan interests that are totally out of academic norms. The collective bargaining philosophy of democracy has been grossly misused by the students' politics and proved no longer relevant, at least in academia.

Costs of politicisation

The presence of politics on college campuses has caused disruptions in classes for months and years across multiple universities over the past three decades. This has led to frequent strikes, vandalism, and intense rivalry between party student wings. Most of the campus agitation consisted of ideologically charged and violent demonstrations aimed at extracting partisan spoils and insulting professors who have dedicated their lives to teaching. Instead of advocating for better learning environments, internships, or employment opportunities, student leaders focus on biased and short-term political gains.

Undoubtedly, the interference of political groups on college campuses, whether students or teachers, destroys the academic mission. The politicization of the academic environment has allowed mediocre but well-connected graduates to obtain faculty appointments across public universities, seriously undermining teaching standards. This has caused a decline in academia's quality, as the focus has shifted from academic excellence to serving narrow political interests.

Simply put it this way, if over-politicizing educational institutions (that have been in practice for the last three decades) were the solution, Tribhuvan University would be one of the finest higher education institutions in the world. Unfortunately, it is exactly the opposite. Therefore, the academic system is being held captive under partisan priorities, wasting resources and impeding the future of our youth.

Reforms are desperately needed to improve the quality and employability of graduates. However, political interference has prevented progress for too long, causing a decay in utilities. Beyond leadership change, a structural detox is also essential.

Academic rejuvenation

It is recommended that the government promptly issue an ordinance to dissolve all student organisations affiliated with political parties from all educational institutions nationwide. Prohibiting politically indoctrinated groups on campuses can foster a more focused and productive environment for students to engage in issue-based advocacy. This can lead to better educational reforms without the distractions of partisan politics. It also allows universities to be held accountable for improving teaching standards, infrastructure, internships, training programs, and digitalisation efforts.

However, without dissolving student groups affiliated with political parties, any vice-chancellor will face challenges in improving academic standards due to the fear of upsetting these groups. Many reputable education experts refuse to accept leadership roles in public universities because the political agendas of these groups often hold the academic environment hostage. Therefore, it is essential to ban any form of political interference on campuses to enable the appointment of competent leaders and hold them accountable for improving teaching standards without any political pressure.

The vice-chancellor and faculty members of universities should be selected purely on merit based on written tests and interviews focused on many years of academic records and research publication profiles. Under effective academic leadership, colleges can drive innovation in teaching methods, evaluation systems, industry partnerships, support for start-ups, and international collaborations. Universities can help create Nepal's next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders by focusing solely on learning outcomes. This is the most feasible approach to harnessing the country's vast youth potential for economic growth.

To conclude, the current debate about making apolitical leadership at Tribhuvan University is a watershed moment that presents a unique opportunity to transform academia. However, merely changing leadership by implementing structural reforms to curb politicisation will result in superficial solutions. We must address the root cause of the problem - the party-affiliated unions that promote mediocrity and instability in Nepal's higher education to bring about tangible improvements.

Without doing so, even the most qualified vice-chancellor will fail to prevent campuses from being dominated by political fiefdoms that hinder the learning and prospects of the youth. Nepal's future possibilities are at stake, and it is necessary to free academia from the suffocating grip of political networks that have distorted the learning and research environment for far too long, breeding instability and mediocrity. It is high time we removed political ideologies from Nepal's campuses and offered hope to our youths for their future.