The Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho (NUL), His Majesty King Letsie III, has applauded NUL for achieving academic excellence, dedication and transformative service to the nation and the African region, during the 80th years anniversary celebration held at Roma Campus on Tuesday, 8th April, 2025.
The occasion was graced by the presence of dignitaries including Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and government ministers. The magnitude of NUL alumni, academics and scholars, local communities and students attended the celebration.
Delivering his speech, King Letsie III said NUL 80th Anniversary celebration marked the University of Lesotho ‘s enduring devotion and vision to transform the Basotho nation and the African region.
“It is with profound humility and heartfelt joy that I stand before this august gathering today, as we assemble to commemorate a significant milestone in the history of NUL. The history of 80 years of dignified, dedicated and transformative service to our beloved kingdom, region and the continent,” the Chancellor said.
“Today, the Roma valley and this campus are enlivened by the spirit of celebration, gratitude and expectation as we mark this occasion that is not merely a signal of the passage of time but a testament to vision, resilience and collective commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the building of character” King Letsie III stated.
The Chancellor emphasized that the 80 years’ anniversary of the National University of Lesotho does not only celebrate NUL’s rich history but also reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of Lesotho and beyond.
“I consider it a privilege and honour to preside over this important occasion that celebrates eight decades of NUL’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence. Eighty years ago, in the shadows of these majestic hills, an institution of higher learning called Pius XII University College (NUL) was established,” He stated.
King Letsie III noted that the University ‘s establishment was inspired by the ideals of faith, disciple, scholarship and learning” at a time when higher education opportunities were scarce in much of Africa.
“This college emerged as a beacon of quality education, where the minds of African men and women would flourish, where the thirst for knowledge might be quenched and where the spirit of service might be instilled,” the Chancellor stated.
From those humble but noble beginning, he said, the institution steadily grew and matured, eventually becoming the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, and later the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. Nine years after Lesotho’s independence, it assumed it current identity as NUL.
The Chancellor highlighted that narrated transformation marked not just a change in name, but a broadening of its mission, deepening of its purpose and affirmation of its central role in shaping the destiny of Basotho nation.
He also added that the transition from Pius XII to NUL reflected the rising aspiration of the people, the growing confidence in “our intellectual capabilities and steadfast belief that the University must be an active participant in the development of the society”.
“As the University stands on the threshold of a new chapter, it does so by bearing the proud inheritance of that journey, an inheritance founded on truth, service and excellence. The 80 years’ anniversary is a significant period in the life of an institution, representing a legacy lovingly crafted over generations, a living narrative written by the hand of lecturers and librarians,” he concluded.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa said the NUL 80 years’ occasion invites not only celebration but also thoughtful convention of a new commitment to a transformative power of education that was met by our founders in particular a Catholic Church.
“We must acknowledge that the role that the church is playing in terms of education in this country is far much better of what we can think of, focusing on the number of schools that the catholic church has established in the country”. Prof. Rapapa said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government commitment to bolster NUL, adding that the government envision a national university that is financially stable and academically excellent, internationally recognised, locally rooted, and a leader in key areas like climate change, corporate governance, agriculture, digital health, and indigenous knowledge.
Meanwhile, the NUL Vice –Chancellor (VC), Professor Isaac Fajana said the celebration marks the 80th years of development that has benefited not only Lesotho but the entire world.
“We proudly join the nation in celebrating 80 years of academic excellence, innovation, and impact. From humble beginning to becoming the heart-beat of higher education in Lesotho, NUL continues to shape generations of professionals, including future pharmacists and healthcare leaders”, Prof Fajana said.
On behalf of NUL Alumni Association, Mr Lehlohonolo Chefa said the National University of Lesotho has made a significant contribution and impact in society as it has alumni in every part of the country hence “we should all celebrate as the university achievement”.
He therefore encouraged the University management to work jointly with NUL Alumni association in eradicating high unemployment rate among new graduates in the country.
The celebration was marked by the unveiling of the NUL 80th sculpture and the planting of a ceremonial tree (the first of 80 trees), which was officiated by His Majesty King Letsie III in his capacity as NUL Chancellor.
Another important milestone was the launch of the Chinese Confucius Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (popularly known as the Confucius Institute). A plaque of the Confucius Institute was unveiled by the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Dr. Yang Xiaokun. The Confucius Institute at NUL is designed to serve as a centre of excellence in linguistic and agricultural education, aligning with Lesotho’s national development goals while fostering international cooperation. This has been a transformative development, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in international education, cultural exchange, and agricultural advancement.
The celebration was also poised with traditional music, songs and dramas by students.
Successive activities for the 80th Anniversary include seminars and conferences; dialogues, gala dinner, exhibitions showcasing NUL academic programs, research, innovations and community engagement initiatives; tree planting in the six campuses of the University; student competitions and several campaigns.
