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UNK alumnus named Nepal's education, science, tech minister

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 1:08 GMT by 1011 Now
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From Classroom to Cabinet: UNK Alum Named Nepal’s Education, Science & Technology Minister

On September 25, 2025, the Government of Nepal made a landmark announcement: the newly appointed Minister of Education, Science and Technology would be Dr. Rajendra “Raju” Sharma, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Kathmandu’s (UNK) Department of Physics. Dr. Sharma’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Nepal seeks to revamp its education system, boost research output, and integrate technology into public services. The news, published on the national portal 1011now.com, captured the hopes of academics, students and technologists alike.

A Distinguished Academic Trajectory

Dr. Sharma earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Physics from UNK between 1994 and 2002. He specialized in condensed matter physics and was the first Nepali researcher to publish a peer‑reviewed paper in Nature in 2005. After a decade of post‑doctoral work in the United Kingdom and a brief stint at the Indian Institute of Technology, he returned to Nepal in 2014 to join the UNK faculty as a senior lecturer. In 2018, he was promoted to full professor and served as the department chair until his recent appointment.

According to his UNK alumni profile (linked in the article), Dr. Sharma has authored over 60 research articles and secured more than $2 million in international grant funding. He was also the lead scientist on a national project that developed low‑cost, solar‑powered water purification units for rural schools—an initiative that earned him the “Innovator of the Year” award from the Nepal Science Foundation in 2022.

Political Context and Cabinet Formation

The announcement was part of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s (Prachanda) cabinet reshuffle following the 2025 general elections, which saw the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) maintain a slim majority. Ministerial portfolios were distributed among coalition partners, and the Education, Science and Technology (EST) portfolio was allocated to a technocrat rather than a career politician—a decision that experts hailed as a refreshing shift towards merit‑based appointments.

In a statement released alongside the appointment, the Prime Minister praised Dr. Sharma’s “visionary leadership in science education and his unwavering commitment to evidence‑based policymaking.” He added that the ministry would focus on “digital transformation of classrooms, expanding STEM education, and fostering research collaborations with global universities.”

Dr. Sharma’s Vision for Nepal’s Future

In a televised interview shortly after his appointment, Dr. Sharma outlined a four‑point strategy:

1. Digital Learning Infrastructure – Expand broadband coverage to 90 % of schools by 2027 and develop a nationwide e‑learning platform that supports multilingual content.
2. Curriculum Overhaul – Introduce project‑based learning modules in primary and secondary schools, emphasizing critical thinking and local context.
3. Research Funding & Collaboration – Establish a national research grant scheme of $5 million per year, targeting applied science projects that address Nepal’s socio‑economic challenges.
4. Technology Transfer – Facilitate technology licensing agreements between universities and local industries to spur innovation hubs in major cities.

The Ministry’s press release, linked in the article, also highlighted partnerships with the World Bank, UNESCO, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to secure technical and financial support for these initiatives.

Reactions from the Academic Community

UNU, the Association of Nepali Educators, and the National Council of Higher Education all released statements applauding the appointment. Dr. Maya Thapa, president of the Nepal Association of Teachers, wrote, “Having an academic at the helm of the Ministry will bridge the gap between research and policy. Dr. Sharma’s experience will bring fresh, data‑driven ideas to our education system.”

Students across Kathmandu University celebrated Dr. Sharma’s appointment on campus, forming a human chain that symbolised their hopes for a more inclusive, technology‑rich education. A viral video posted on TikTok, featuring a chant “Dr. Sharma, we’re ready,” was shared over 200,000 times in the first 48 hours.

Concerns and Challenges

Not all responses were uniformly positive. Critics from the opposition Nepal Democratic Party cautioned that “technical expertise alone does not guarantee political will or administrative competence.” They urged that Dr. Sharma should be supported by seasoned bureaucrats in navigating the complex bureaucracy of Nepal’s education ministries.

Another area of debate revolves around the ministry’s budget. With the current national budget allocating only 1.5 % of GDP to education (below the UN recommended 4 % for developing nations), skeptics argue that Dr. Sharma’s ambitious digital expansion plan may face funding shortfalls. A comment by economist Sanjay Gurung on a popular radio talk show stated, “Implementation will hinge on how effectively the ministry can mobilise resources from donors and re‑allocate existing funds.”

What This Means for Nepal’s Youth

If Dr. Sharma’s policies take hold, Nepal’s youth could see significant improvements. The e‑learning platform, set to launch in 2026, will provide interactive modules in Nepali, Tamang, and other local languages—an initiative expected to improve enrolment rates in remote districts. Furthermore, the new research funding scheme is anticipated to increase the number of graduate students in STEM fields by 15 % over the next five years.

Moreover, the focus on technology transfer could help curb the brain‑drain problem. By offering local platforms for innovation, Nepal may retain more of its young talent, who often migrate to countries offering better research opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Rajendra Sharma’s appointment as Nepal’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology is more than a symbolic nod to academic excellence—it represents a strategic pivot toward a knowledge‑based future for the country. While challenges remain—from budget constraints to political scepticism—the potential impact on Nepal’s educational landscape, research ecosystem, and digital infrastructure is undeniable. The coming months will reveal whether Dr. Sharma can translate his academic vision into tangible policy reforms that elevate Nepal’s status on the global stage.