8th May 2025, Kathmandu
The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the University of Nepal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to connect academic learning with industry needs. The agreement focuses on skill development, practical education, and industry exposure for students.
CNI Nepal University MoU
Formal Agreement Signed
The MoU was signed during a program at the CNI office on Wednesday. Registrar Dr. Suryaraj Acharya signed on behalf of Nepal University. Dr. Ghanshyam Ojha, Director General of CNI, signed for the confederation.
The agreement sets the foundation for a long-term partnership. It aims to help students gain skills that are relevant to modern industries. Both institutions agreed to cooperate in areas such as internships, curriculum reform, and innovation.
Need for Skill-Based Education
CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal addressed the event. He said that Nepal needs more skilled professionals. He highlighted a gap between academic qualifications and practical skills. According to him, this gap limits employment opportunities and slows industrial growth.
Agrawal praised the University of Nepal for adopting a modern education model. He believes it can help address the country’s workforce challenges. “We see many educated youth, but few are job-ready. That’s where skill-based education becomes essential,” he said.
He also committed to CNI’s support in linking university students with industries. This includes internships and collaborative training programs.
Internships to Build Experience
Nepal University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bindu Lohani, focused on practical learning. He said industries must welcome students for internships. These hands-on experiences will prepare students for real-world challenges.
Lohani added that the University of Nepal is designed to deliver modern and practical education. He believes academic learning should go hand-in-hand with field experience. “Our goal is to build skilled and ethical graduates who can contribute to society,” he said.
Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Arjun Karki said the university will develop programs that promote innovation and entrepreneurship. He also emphasized character-building and social values. “We want to prepare students not just for jobs, but also for leadership,” he said.
Dr. Karki explained that the University of Nepal is moving away from traditional models. It is adopting a forward-looking approach that reflects today’s economic needs. He asked for support from all sectors to make the university’s vision a success.
Industry Will Support Curriculum and Research
CNI Senior Vice President Birendra Raj Pandey outlined specific areas of collaboration. He said CNI will assist in curriculum development, innovation, and research. Industries will provide input on how to align academic courses with market demand.
Pandey stressed that practical knowledge is key to solving real-world problems. He stated, “We believe in creating a bridge between classrooms and companies. This partnership will help us do that.”
He also mentioned that CNI will support joint programs, industrial visits, and exposure events for students.
Shared Vision for the Future
Board members from Nepal University also attended the event. Among them were Dr. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel, Dr. Bimala Rai Paudel, and Dr. Lal Krishna KC. They expressed optimism about the partnership.
They said Nepal’s education system needs reform to stay relevant. According to them, this MoU is a step in the right direction. The board members thanked CNI for its interest in shaping future professionals.
Both sides agreed to take quick steps to implement the agreement. Initial plans include arranging internships, updating the curriculum, and hosting seminars.
Education-Industry Gap Narrowing
This partnership comes at a time when Nepal faces high youth unemployment and a growing skills gap. Many graduates struggle to find jobs that match their education.
At the same time, industries are searching for workers with practical abilities. This mismatch has hurt both economic growth and youth development.
The University of Nepal and CNI believe that partnerships like this can solve that problem. With support from the private sector, educational institutions can evolve faster.
By working together, they hope to create a new generation of professionals who are creative, ethical, and industry-ready.
For more: CNI Nepal University MoU