Nepal, Feb. 28 -- Back in the 1980s, blatant politicisation was ailing Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal's oldest and largest. Then, Kathmandu University (KU) entered the scene in 1991 by offering top-notch education in a 'politics-free' environment. Students frustrated with TU's failure to stick to the academic calendar, lengthy academic years and frequent delays in publication of examination results, turned to the new university. However, over the years, political meddling has become apparent in KU as well.

Take the recent controversy over the appointment of its vice-chancellor (VC). Prolonged delays in filling this vital position have led eight of 10 VC hopefuls to question the role of the selection committee coordinator, Suresh Raj Sh...