Out of the many countries that are in a search for quality education, Nepal is one of them. People and organizations in the country would prefer a student holding an international degree over the others.
This pinpoints that the education system in Nepal is not up to international standards. The schools and universities in the country have not improved upon the same old curriculum and the pedagogy.
The value of education is that students don’t pursue courses for learning but to get degrees or qualifications for jobs. This attitude is obviously dangerous for the students and the country. Nepali employers have complained too frequently that the students are not competent enough in terms of problem-solving skills or thinking out of the box.
Why has the education system in Nepal been left behind?
The education system in Nepal, as far as higher education goes, is based on rote learning and learning through previous year question papers. Research isn’t a part of the curriculum generally. That’s why students rush to countries like India or Singapore or even the US for looking for research-based projects. Those in Nepal trying to do some research based work are graded relatively poorly when compared to the ones having international exposure.
To fix this, the Nepali government and the higher education institutes have tied up with various foreign universities. Recently, Kathmandu University in Nepal has tied up with George Mason University in West Virginia, USA and Thames International College, Nepal has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Webster University in St. Louis.
However, the real reason why the education system in Nepal has been left behind is majorly politics. Nepal has faced half a century of political disturbances and outbursts. In that case, the government hasn’t been able to focus on education. Students in the country are interested and enthusiastic about research-based projects but the limited opportunities often turn them down. However, it must be realized that the only way to successful learning is though practical based learning.
Lastly, in any developing country, students often go to international universities with the aim of earning PR (permanent residency) in that country. So is the case in Nepal. Rather they should come back and help with the country’s economy as well as help to improve the education system in Nepal.
The time is now when countries all around the globe are working and fixing their education policies to improve the standard of education. Education is the only key to a better economy. Nepal should realize this soon and work on it with the help of other countries whenever needed.
