Grand Convocation, Silent Problems: Examining the Shadows Behind the Convocation

In the midst of the grand 49th convocation ceremony at Dasharath Stadium, Tribhuvan University (TU) marked a historic moment with a record-breaking number of students attending a single-day graduation ceremony as per world book of records. However, beneath the celebratory atmosphere, there lingers a somber undertone among the graduates, reflecting the increasing uncertainty about their futures in Nepal’s evolving educational landscape.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, TU’s Chancellor, expressed enthusiasm about the record-breaking attendance, highlighting TU’s achievement in the field of Nepali higher education. Yet, the students who crossed the stage were left pondering their next steps as they grapple with the challenges presented by the country’s educational and employment system.

While Dahal celebrated TU’s international recognition by Official World Record, students like Sujata Budhathoki, a humanities and social sciences graduate, reflected on the limited employment opportunities in Nepal. Budhathoki, set to pursue further education in London, voiced hopes for securing a job abroad due to the scarcity of employment prospects in her home country.

Others, like Diksha Dahal, a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy graduate, echoed similar sentiments. Despite acknowledging the quality of education, the lack of employment opportunities in Nepal has led her to consider leaving for higher education abroad. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive study of human resources, their placement in various sectors, and researching salary scales within the private sector.

Dilija Bohara, a BSc in Nursing graduate, stressed that the government should not only focus on producing human resources but also on creating opportunities for their utilization. She pointed out the disparity between educational investments and the meager salaries offered, leading many to contemplate seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Even gold medalists, like Bijeesha Budhathoki and Dilasha Shrestha, are exploring opportunities beyond Nepal. Despite their academic excellence, they are drawn to pursuing higher education and employment abroad due to the perceived limitations in their home country.

In this context, TU’s grand convocation stands as a beacon of academic achievement, yet the graduates’ stories underscore the growing challenges in Nepal’s education system, pushing many to seek opportunities and prospects beyond its borders.

We really hope the Nepal Government can make things better so that graduates like us don’t feel the need to pack our bags for foreign lands. It would be awesome if there were more opportunities here in Nepal for us to work hard and build successful lives. Also, we wish Tribhuvan University could focus more on making our education top-notch and fix any issues they might have. That way, we could feel confident about staying in Nepal and making a positive impact.