Tribhuvan University's Bold Restructuring for the Future
Tribhuvan University (TU), a historic institution of Nepal, is undergoing a significant transformation. The University has consolidated its 40 central departments into 17 independent schools in a move designed to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and improve the quality of education. This bold step forms part of TU's roadmap for the next decade, as laid out in the 'TU Vision 2020-2030'.
Consolidation for Quality Education
The decision to merge departments and create independent schools is a significant step towards optimizing resources. TU's Registrar, Peshal Dahal, explained that this restructuring is intended to bring consistency to the institution's educational programs. This restructuring initiative, proposed five years ago, was finally approved and announced in the budget program for 2080/81 (2023/2024) during the TU Assembly held on Tuesday, 27th June 2023.
Emphasis on Academic Calendar Implementation
An essential feature of the upcoming changes is the strict implementation of an academic calendar. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized that adhering to the calendar would ensure timeliness, reduce expenses, and provide a sense of security for students and their parents. The University Grants Commission is also developing an integrated academic calendar for all universities, set to launch in August.
Promoting Quality Assurance
In an effort to uphold high standards of education, TU plans to restrict new academic programs to campuses accredited by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA). Currently, out of TU's 1,140 campuses, only around 100 have received QAA accreditation.
Student Distribution and Campus Renovation
The university aims to better distribute students across campuses, focusing particularly on those with low student numbers. Campuses undergoing adjustment will receive encouragement and support, and there are plans for the merger of community campuses. A policy has been implemented to scrap campuses that have not been renovated for a significant time.
Evolving Curriculum and Staff Management
TU is prioritizing the introduction of entrepreneurship-oriented, professional, practical, and skill-based subjects. They are also opening seats for foreign students to boost international recognition. On the other hand, there are plans to reduce facilities and allowances for staff, aiming for a more balanced allocation of resources.
Budget Allocation
For the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/2024), the assembly has approved a budget of 26 billion 249.4 million, with 1 billion allocated for development programs and 410.61 million for research.
In conclusion, Tribhuvan University is embarking on a new journey of restructuring and enhancing its education system, which will hopefully make the institution stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
| Key Focus Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Structural Changes | 40 departments merged into 17 autonomous schools |
| Academic Calendars | Implementation of a strict academic calendar |
| Quality Assurance Measures | Only QAA-accredited campuses to conduct new academic programs |
| Student Distribution | Measures to accommodate low student population campuses |
| Campus Maintenance | Plans to phase out long-overdue campuses for renovation |
| Curriculum Evolution | Introduction of entrepreneurship-oriented, professional, practical, and skill-based subjects |
| Staff Management | Review of staff allowances and benefits |
| Budget Allocation | Total Budget: 26 billion 249.4 million; Development Programs: 1 billion; Research: 410.61 million |
| University Campuses | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Campuses | 1,140 campuses |
| QAA Accredited Campuses | 100 campuses |
| Constituent Campuses | 62 campuses |
| Community Campuses | 529 campuses |
| Private Campuses | 549 campuses |
| Quality Assured Private Campuses | 4 campuses |
| University Budget | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | 26 billion 249.4 million |
| Development Programs | 1 billion |
| Research | 410.61 million |
| Demand from University Grants Commission | 12.5 billion |
| Funds Allocated by Commission | 10.82 billion |
| Internal Revenue Target | 1.44 billion |
| Balance | 26 billion 49 crores (from 4 years ago) |
