Kathmandu: Experts are warning that Nepali students who have completed their education abroad are facing challenges in obtaining equivalence certificates from Tribhuvan University (TU), potentially leading to a brain drain to foreign countries. The difficulties these students are encountering in acquiring equivalence certificates have raised concerns about TU's approach to this matter.

Over 100 Nepali students who have completed their higher education in India, for example, have been struggling to obtain TU recognition for their degrees. Some of these students have even chosen to leave for foreign countries due to the delays and obstacles in the equivalence process.

Dr. Sharad Chand, who completed a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India, shared his personal experience of having to visit TU around 60 times in six months to secure equivalence recognition. The ambiguity around equivalence has not only affected students' perception of TU but also caused disappointment.

The confusion arises from the fact that TU initially granted equivalence for "Doctor of Pharmacy equivalent to the Pharma D," only to later revoke it via a notice in Gorkhapatra Daily. This inconsistency has led to students facing uncertainty and challenges in pursuing further education or employment.

Despite meeting the criteria set by TU's Degree Recognition and Equivalence Determination Procedure, students are still being denied equivalence certificates, which is forcing them to seek opportunities abroad. Some students are demanding the breaking of TU's monopoly on equivalence, as other universities like Pokhara and Kathmandu lack the authority to grant such certificates.

The lack of specification that "Pharm D" is post-graduate level is causing problems for graduates in their applications for master's programs or jobs. Even though the Indian education system recognizes Pharm D as a master's degree, TU's stance on this matter remains unclear.

Nepali students who have completed their education abroad have been struggling for years to obtain equivalence certificates, and they question the delay and the lack of clarity in TU's approach. While TU's executive director, Prof. Dr. Parasnath Yadav, denies any wrongdoing, the students and experts are urging for a more efficient and transparent process that recognizes internationally obtained degrees and prevents the brain drain to foreign countries.