Geographical anomalies and ignorance hinder quality education impartation
Prof. Bhusan Shrestha
Vice-chancellor
Far Western University
Could you give a brief account of Far Western University?
Far Western University was established in 2010AD to tailor the academic activities of far western development region since this region is relatively backward in terms of academic, economic and political aspects. The Far Western University is fully funded by the government of Nepal. Currently, the university has five faculties: Humanities and Social Science, Education, Management, Science & Technology, and Engineering. It has been running an array of undergraduate and graduate programs: BA, BASW, MA, B.Ed., B.Ed CSIT, M.Ed., M.Ed. TESOL, BBS, BBA, MBA, B.Sc., and BScCSIT. In addition, BE Civil Engineering has been offered through the central campus of the university: Institute of Science and Technology, School of Engineering, Mahendranagar, The entire undergraduate courses of the university are of a four-year program or split into eight semesters except for the BBS program.
What are the major programs offered by the University?
Now the university offers an array of syllabuses in Humanities, Education, Management, Engineering, Science and Technology. With regard to Science and Technology, one is General Science and another is CSIT.
Are you intending to give affiliation to other colleges?
Till now we have only one central campus since the establishment of the university; however, we are planning for the extension and easing the affiliation procedures.
How are you planning to give affiliations to other colleges?
Slow and gradual pace is a key to success. We are willing to give accreditation of the syllabuses that we offer only, which will eventually become more effective and stronger.
What are your strategic plans for the smooth running of this university smoothly?
Principally, we are giving high priority to technical subjects. We are officially ready to start B.Sc. Optometry program this year, and we are planning to launch B.Sc. Agriculture next year.
Would you cross the boundary of this region whilst giving the affiliation?
The future is unpredictable. As this university is a national university, we would lead the affiliation part by making the far western region as cover area and lead towards the expansion of the programs outside the region as well.
Have you established any tie up with other universities yet?
We are in the process of bridging our relationship with other universities. Similarly, we are in the process of linking up with some of the universities of Malaysia and India.
Since your tenure ends up in four years now, what major programs are you planning to launch before your departure as vice-chancellor?
First and foremost, the existing programs need to be ensured for their sustainability. There are insurmountable problems regarding the maintaining of modus vivendi and retaining existing human resources especially of science and technical faculties. So, we are appointing them on a contract basis. We are not focusing more on launching the new programs rather we are planning to run the existing programs successfully by retaining the qualified and efficient human resources.
What do you think are the vital efforts of the university that play a pivotal role to transform Mahendranagar into an educational hub?
Only the establishment of a university is not sufficient enough to retain in the long run rather it should have a strong foundation to ignite the spark of award-winning education. I have felt that the base of this university has become supine.
To be successful and effective, schooling should be excellent followed by higher education. In addition, their academic upshots should be as per the standard and need. Similarly, the colleges should also be the same. In order to make Mahendranagar an educational hub only the contributions of university are not sufficient; it’s like few drops in the ocean. If the local people generate long-term vision of educating their offspring, we will undoubtedly bring lots of academic reforms in Mahendranagar and can promote this place as an educational hub.
What would you like to say at last?
The inhabitants of this region should ensure equity between their sons and daughters, and the gender disparity, which has been deeply rooted in the culture of far western development region, should be discouraged through life-changing education. The government itself should invest more funds in the welfare of underpriviledged and backward people of this region.
