Education is the backbone of every nation, and Nepal is no exception. The prosperity, stability, and progress of our country depend on the strength of our education system. Yet today, one of the most pressing concerns is the continuous outflow of students who leave for foreign destinations immediately after completing their Plus Two studies.

As someone deeply involved in education—as Vice President of HISSAN, Principal of Himalaya School and College, and Chief Editor of College Readers—I feel a personal responsibility to reflect on why this is happening and what we, as a society, must do to change it.

The Role of the State, Universities, and Colleges

I have long believed that the campaign for Excellent Education in Nepal cannot succeed without the active role of the state. The government must create a conducive environment where education can thrive. This requires curricula that are relevant to our times, timely examinations and results, and courses that respond to the demands of the job market. Universities must transform themselves into centers of innovation rather than remain stagnant institutions. Closures and strikes should never be allowed to disrupt academic calendars.

Equally important is the connection between academia and industry. Students must be given opportunities to work, intern, and innovate. Industries should open their doors, providing jobs and practical exposure. Education must also instill patriotism, love for country, and respect for our cultural heritage. These values are as important as professional skills in shaping responsible citizens.

I firmly believe that the state must encourage startups and entrepreneurship. Only then will our students see a future for themselves here in Nepal.

Education as a Shared Responsibility

Education is not the duty of universities alone. Government, community, and private institutions, educationists, journalists, parents, students, and teachers—all stakeholders—must come together. The decline of higher education in Nepal is rooted in policy-level weaknesses. Politicization and emotional protests, such as those that disrupted our medical and nursing education, have had long-term consequences.

We must admit our collective failure. Have we taught our children discipline, morality, and respect? Have we given them hope for the future within Nepal? Too often, we ourselves have created the narrative that nothing can be achieved here, encouraging young people to see foreign countries as the only option. This mindset must change.

Why a Bachelor’s in Nepal Matters

I strongly advocate that students should complete at least their bachelor’s degree in Nepal before going abroad. At 17 or 18, after finishing Grade 12, a child is not mature enough to shoulder the responsibility of an uncertain future in a foreign land. Research shows that more than 90 percent of those who leave are not really going for study but for employment.

Sadly, many of our youth abroad live in frustration, depression, and financial struggle. The lack of authentic government data on how many go, how many truly study, and how many return only makes matters worse.

Studying a bachelor’s degree in Nepal allows students to grow in maturity, responsibility, and clarity. They can study quality programs at lower costs while staying close to their families. They also gain time to discover their interests and make thoughtful decisions about their future. For this, however, we must create the right environment—providing both freedom and discipline, practical exposure, and stronger connections between academia, industry, and culture.

Is Our Higher Education Weak?

There is a widespread belief that higher education in Nepal is weak. I disagree with this sweeping judgment. Our medical education is among the best in Asia. Our engineering programs are strong. Management and IT programs have grown in popularity and quality. Many colleges in Nepal have invested heavily in infrastructure, human capital, and modern facilities.

The real issue lies in university governance. Tribhuvan University, our oldest and largest, has not granted affiliations in crucial programs such as MBA and IT for over 25 years. Every year, more than 12,000 students apply for MBA, yet only 600 seats are available. The rest are forced abroad, often to universities of lower standing than those here.

When affiliations are finally given, they are often rushed and commercialized, ignoring infrastructure and quality. Applications have been pending for decades, while some colleges gain approval overnight. This inconsistency shows the lack of vision, mission, and planning in our higher education governance.

Politics, Policies, and Priorities

The deeper problem is political instability and misplaced priorities. Leaders have focused more on power, wealth, and survival than on education and health. Yet history shows us that nations rise or fall based on how they prioritize education.

Europe, America, Japan, and Australia are strong because they invested in education. Afghanistan and Pakistan struggle because they did not. Nepal’s future will also be determined by whether we make education our top priority.

Private institutions in Nepal have already invested over 10 trillion rupees, employed more than 500,000 people, and prevented billions from flowing abroad. They contribute more than 90 percent of quality education in the country. Yet instead of encouraging them, policies often discourage private initiatives. This must change.

In the 21st century—the era of technology and artificial intelligence—the government must invest in infrastructure, research, and faculty development. Universities must offer time-relevant programs. Stakeholders must contribute sincerely to shaping effective policies.

Rays of Hope

Despite the challenges, I see hope. New initiatives are emerging. Young educators and entrepreneurs are working tirelessly to innovate. Awareness is growing about the value of building a strong education system within Nepal.

As I often remind myself: even in the darkest night, the silver circle of the moon shines with light. In the same way, despite the current crisis, rays of hope are visible in our higher education sector. If we channel our collective energy, prioritize education at the national level, and encourage students to stay, Nepal can indeed achieve excellent education.

Conclusion

For me, the message is simple and urgent: Nepal’s future depends on education, and education depends on all of us. The government must reform policies, universities must innovate, industries must collaborate, and society must value education at home.

Excellent Education in Nepal cannot remain just a slogan. It must become our reality. If we act together, we can prevent the loss of an entire generation and instead build a nation that nurtures, values, and empowers its youth.