MBUST First Commencement Ceremony: A Historic Milestone for Nepal’s Higher Education
9th February 2026, Kathmandu
Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) marked a defining moment in its institutional journey by successfully hosting its First Commencement Ceremony at the Donor Plaza, Chitlang.
MBUST First Commencement Ceremony
The historic event celebrated the graduation of MBUST’s inaugural cohort and reaffirmed the university’s vision of advancing science, technology, and innovation for a prosperous and just Nepal.
Dhana Krishna Acharya, Sabnam Subedi, and Shishil Rai graduated from the Organic Agriculture program, becoming MBUST’s first graduates and marking a historic and deeply personal milestone for both the students and the university.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Jamil Salmi, a globally renowned expert in higher education, as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished national and international academic leaders, trustees, faculty members, parents, and well-wishers.
On the occasion, MBUST also conferred an Honorary Degree upon Dr. Salmi in recognition of his outstanding global contributions to higher education reform and policy. In his Commencement Address, Dr. Jamil Salmi described himself as “a lifelong student of higher education,” and encouraged graduates to remain curious, ethical, and socially responsible leaders.
He praised MBUST’s forward-looking model and its emphasis on quality, autonomy, and relevance in a rapidly changing global knowledge economy.
The ceremony also featured congratulatory messages from distinguished members of the MBUST Board of Trustees. Trustee Prof. Suzanne Fortier, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University (2013–2022) and former President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to pursue excellence, integrity, and global engagement in their academic and professional journeys.
Trustee Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna, Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor, Director of the iWearables (Intelligent Wearables) Center, and former Vice President (Academic and Research) of the National University of Singapore, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research, innovation, and leadership in addressing complex global challenges, urging graduates to become changemakers in science, technology, and society.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Padma Jyoti, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of MBUST, reflected on the university’s evolution—from a bold national vision to an emerging center of excellence.
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He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between academia and industry, underscoring that universities must generate knowledge that translates into innovation, enterprise, and employment, while the private sector must actively support research and higher education in Nepal.
President of MBUST, Dr. Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, highlighted the university’s efforts to strengthen research capacity, promote interdisciplinary learning, and bridge academic research with national development priorities.
He reaffirmed MBUST’s commitment to ethical governance, scientific rigor, and global engagement, positioning the university as a corruption-free and politically non-partisan institution rooted in universal values.
The event featured traditional Nepali ceremonial elements, including the lighting of the Sukunda, flag hoisting, and the University Anthem, symbolizing auspicious beginnings and MBUST’s commitment to purity of purpose, integrity, and innovation.
Currently, 66 students are enrolled, including 13 PhDs and 53 Master’s students, at MBUST.
Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST), established and operational under its Act in 2079 B.S., focuses on research and innovation rather than traditional teaching.
Currently, the university has 65 students, including 13 PhDs and 52 Master’s students, engaged in postgraduate and doctoral research programs in fields such as Organic Agriculture, Forest Biomaterials, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Sustainable Infrastructure. From the upcoming academic session, the university plans to offer undergraduate programs in Digital Technology, specializing in Cybersecurity, IOT, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science.
As Nepal’s newest science and technology university, MBUST is building its academic and research ecosystem through national and international partnerships, financial support, and a strong emphasis on translating knowledge into social and economic impact.
The First Commencement Ceremony not only honored the achievements of MBUST’s pioneering graduates but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in Nepal’s higher education landscape.
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