Kathmandu, Aug 8: A two-day Policy Lab on “University Faculty Recruitment, Development and Promotion” has concluded with a call for a transparent, inclusive and result-oriented system to improve the quality and effectiveness of higher education in Nepal.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Education and Sports, concluded on Saturday with participants emphasizing the need for universities to review and reform their policies and laws in line with changing circumstances.

Experts at the programme stressed that universities should prioritize research, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and social responsibility while developing policies for academic and institutional improvement.

In his concluding remarks, Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel said universities should exchange best practices and create student-friendly academic environments. He also emphasized the need to make university management more technology-friendly.

Chief Advisor to the Minister for Education Shailendra Jha said the Policy Lab had contributed to promoting consistency in policymaking and improving academic quality across universities.

National Planning Commission Member Reshu Aryal Dhungana said university officials and policymakers should come together to formulate a coordinated national strategy for higher education. She also stressed the need to create an environment conducive to retaining young people in the country.

Similarly, National Planning Commission Member Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha highlighted the importance of implementing an academic calendar alongside efforts to improve the quality of universities.

University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Dr. Khadga Bahadur KC said all stakeholders should take responsibility for maintaining academic excellence in accordance with established university norms.

Tribhuvan University Service Commission Chairman Kishor Thapa stressed stronger cooperation between the Ministry and universities to advance policy reforms and improve the quality of higher education.

Prof. Shyam Sharma of Stony Brook University, USA, served as the key facilitator of the Policy Lab.

Vice-chancellors of various universities, educationists, policymakers and experts participated in the two-day event.