Editorial: Make TU a safe place for academia

Minister for Education, Science and Technology Bidya Bhattarai said recently that officials of Tribhuvan University (TU) have been receiving threats from different people. Through a post on her social media page, she even requested the home ministry for necessary security arrangements for the officials and curbs on hooliganism. 

The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of the head of the Central Department of Sociology of TU has exposed a dangerous trend of threats and intimidation that threatens the very foundations of Nepal's oldest and largest institution of higher learning. The outgoing head, Prof Yubaraj Luintel, had submitted a list of nominees to succeed him at the Dean's office. Sources say the Dean, Prof Kusum Shakya, however, altered the order of the nominees, placing Tikaram Gautam, who was second on the list, in the top position and forwarded the names to higher authorities.

This sparked outrage, particularly from the Nepal Progressive Professors’ Association, which is close to the CPN-UML. The professor accused Dean Shakya of political bias, favoring a candidate allegedly close to the Nepali Congress. The ensuing conflict has escalated to the point where university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Rector and the Registrar, are reportedly receiving threats. The fact that a cabinet minister has to resort to social media to ensure the safety of academics speaks volumes about the breakdown of institutional norms and the infiltration of political bullying into academic spaces.

This is not an isolated incident, though. TU has a history of politically-motivated disruptions. The same department faced similar issues during the appointment of Prof Luintel as its head. Gautam was at the center of that controversy as well. This shows the culture of political interference in academic appointments in the TU is deeply entrenched, with merit and procedures often overlooked over party affiliations.

The repercussions of such actions are far-reaching as they create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among faculty members and administrators. When university officials cannot perform their duties without fear of reprisal, it undermines the entire academic ecosystem. Academic activities will be affected not only in central colleges on TU premises but also in constituent and affiliated colleges across the country. Instead of witnessing a meritocratic and transparent system, students see power plays and threats determining academic leadership. This not only demoralizes students but also erodes their faith in the institution. Such activities discourage talented individuals from enrolling in TU campuses, which affect student numbers that are already on the decline. The impact on the teaching and learning environment is profound. When political agendas overshadow academic priorities, the quality of education inevitably suffers. Resources and energy that should be directed toward improving curricula, research and facilities are instead wasted on political maneuvering and damage control.

The government must take immediate steps to ensure the safety of university officials and thoroughly investigate the threats. Those responsible must be held accountable to send a clear message that intimidation has no place in academic institutions. There is also an urgent need for a comprehensive review and reform of the appointment processes at TU. Clear, transparent and merit-based procedures must be established and strictly adhered to. There should be room for manipulation or political interference. The ministry also needs to take necessary initiatives to safeguard the autonomy of universities by creating a regulatory framework that shields academic institutions from political pressure.

The current crisis at TU is more than just an administrative dispute. It is a symptom of a deeper malaise affecting Nepal's higher education system. It should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders—educators, politicians, students, and citizens—to rally for the protection of academic integrity and the safety of those who uphold it.