Dhulikhel, Dec 10: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said the government is committed to ending politicization in higher education, announcing preparations to amend the law to ensure that universities appoint academic professionals — not political leaders — as vice-chancellors.

Addressing the 31st convocation ceremony of Kathmandu University on Thursday, Prime Minister Karki said unnecessary political interference has long damaged Nepal’s higher education sector, and the current government is taking concrete steps to correct it.

He emphasized that Education Minister Mahabir Pun has been holding continuous consultations with educationists, university leadership, and stakeholders to revise the provision under which the prime minister automatically becomes the university chancellor.

Prime Minister Karki said Nepal must increase investment in higher education as emerging fields like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and shifting geopolitical trends are creating new global challenges and opportunities.

He praised Kathmandu University for its model of academic excellence, innovation, decent remuneration practices, and modern academic programs — urging other universities to follow its example.

PM Karki also welcomed the decision to shift the new secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium under ICIMOD to Kathmandu University, saying it would strengthen the collective voice of mountain nations facing climate change.

He congratulated the university for increasing student enrollment this year, adding that Nepal must build affordable, high-quality educational environments so that fewer Nepali students feel compelled to pursue studies abroad.