Dear Students, Staff, Faculty, Partners, and Stakeholders,
Welcome to Nepal Open University.
It is my privilege to convey this message as the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nepal Open University (NOU).  I assume this responsibility with a deep sense of gratitude to those who have placed their trust in me, and with full awareness of the academic and institutional obligations that this position entails. In this message, I wish to briefly reflect on the current standing of the University and share my perspectives on the directions we must pursue ahead.
 The NOU was formally established under the Nepal Open University Act, 2016, and has been in operation since June 13, 2017. As the first public University in Nepal dedicated to open and distance learning, NOU carries a distinctive mandate: to make quality higher education accessible to all, regardless of geography, economic circumstance, or social background.
In pursuit of this mandate, the University currently offers 22 programmes across Bachelor, Master, MPhil, and PhD levels through three faculties - the Faculty of Science, Health and Technology; the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education; and the Faculty of Management and Law. These programmes span general, professional, and research-oriented disciplines, with ongoing expansion into technical, vocational/professional, and industry-relevant fields to meet the evolving needs of Nepal’s workforce and society.
To ensure that education reaches every learner, NOU follows a blended learning model that combines online instruction through its Learning Management System (LMS) with face-to-face engagement at regional study centers across the provinces. Through e-libraries, digital learning resources, video conferencing facilities, and individual academic mentoring, the University empowers learners to pursue higher education at their own pace and convenience, particularly those who have been excluded from conventional higher education due to professional obligations, geographical remoteness, or economic and social constraints.
In today’s rapidly changing world, we believe that higher education must not only provide knowledge but also cultivate critical thinking, creativity, research culture, and a sense of social responsibility. With this conviction, we remain firmly committed to academic excellence, inclusivity, innovation, and life-long learning. In partnership with national and international institutions, we continue to advance research, strengthen our digital infrastructures, and uphold our role as a national resource center for open and distance education in Nepal.
As I embark on this journey as the Vice Chancellor, I am inspired by what this University has already achieved and energized by what lies ahead. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated faculty, hardworking students, committed staff, and valued partners to strengthen NOU’s programmes, expand our reach, deepen our research culture, and enhance our impact on the Nepali Society.
At this juncture, I warmly welcome all new students to this growing academic community and encourage our continuing learners to persist with purpose, determination, and dedication. Together, we are building a more equitable, inclusive, and knowledgeable society going beyond merely pursuing degrees. 
 
Jiban Khadka, PhD
Vice Chancellor
Nepal Open University