The ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor of the University,
the Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal H.E. Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Degrees were presented to around 700 students from 23 affiliate and
three constituent campuses of Pokhara
University.
“It is encouraging to learn that despite challenges, participation in
education has expanded at all levels in Nepal,” the President said
while adding that governments alone will not be able to keep pace with
the staggering demands and resources required fulfilling the education
gap. “It is becoming increasingly important to engage the private
sector in higher education,” he stressed.
The President also quoted a recent study by the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) on Nepal which called for a
reorientation of investment priorities in Nepal from traditional areas
to manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, financial intermediation, health
services, and also the important sector of “education”. Engaging with
the private sector, and working with professionals in the field in
developing a demand oriented curriculum will help achieve one of
Nepal’s targets to equip youth with better skills for employment, and
foster “job creation” in different and much needed sectors of
development, the President said.
While expressing his gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Keshar Jung
Baral and members of the Pokhara University community, AIT President
stated that he considered himself very lucky to be invited by Pokhara
University. The President reminded the audience that AIT in partnership
with its alumni in Nepal had organized a very successful international
conference on knowledge management for sustainable development. AIT had
also signed a partnership agreement with Pokhara University.
“Our graduates from Nepal have significantly contributed to the
development of Nepal as is evident from the various high level
positions they hold in the government, academia, international and
non-governmental organizations and the private sector,” the President
added.
The convocation was widely covered by the media in Nepal.
The HImalayan Times
Republica
