Tribhuvan University, undone

VC’s resignation raises concerns over the political leadership’s commitment to academic excellence.

Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal’s oldest and biggest, is without a Vice-Chancellor in just 13 months of the appointment of Keshar Jung Baral last February. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also the Chancellor of the institution, approved Baral’s resignation on Thursday . While Baral cited health reasons when he sought resignation almost two weeks ago, in later interviews he revealed that he stepped down due to “pressure, utter disrespect as well as the lack of support” from the premier. The VC’s withdrawal from such a vital position, well before the end of his four-year term, has only laid bare a deeper malady that has long afflicted TU. It is unfortunate that the government head can go so far as to create an unfavourable environment for those trying to steer the institution in the right direction.