The air at the Roma Campus was filled with a sense of accomplishment on March 17, 2026. Under the clear Lesotho sky, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) community gathered for a milestone that, while humble in nature, represented a massive leap forward in student welfare: the official commissioning of the newly-built ablution facilities at the NUL International School (NULIS).

From a Leader’s Concern to Action

For the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Olusola Fajana, the ceremony was the culmination of a four-year personal mission. Standing before a crowd of staff, parents, and eager students, Prof. Fajana reflected on his first days at the university.

“When I first arrived at the NUL, four years ago, I was worried by the limited number of toilets used by the learners,” he shared. “I took it upon myself as a challenge to ensure that by the time I leave this place, more toilets will be built for the secondary section.”

The shortage had been a long-standing issue, affecting the daily lives of both primary and secondary learners. Prof. Fajana didn’t just wait for a budget allocation; he spearheaded a movement.

A Community Effort

The project was a testament to the power of collective action. The Vice-Chancellor led by example, initiating a crowd-funding campaign by putting down the first deposit from his own pocket. This gesture inspired a wave of contributions from:

• University Staff: Who rallied behind the vision of a better campus.
• Parents: Who recognized the direct impact on their children’s well-being.
• The University Administration: Which provided significant financial backing and skilled labor to see the construction through to the end.

As the ribbon was cut, the new facilities stood as a symbol of dignity and support for the student body. Prof. Fajana emphasized that providing basic infrastructure is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating an environment where students can focus entirely on their education.

“We commission this ablution for the use by the students of NULIS, as a basic support service, during their learning process here,” the Vice-Chancellor noted, his voice filled with pride.

The ceremony concluded on a spiritual note of gratitude. Recognizing the journey from a mere dream to a physical reality, Prof. Fajana offered a final blessing: “We are grateful to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

A Shared Triumph: The School Responds

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s moving address, the Principal of NULIS, Dr. ‘Matli Toti stepped forward to formally accept the new facilities on behalf of the school. The atmosphere was one of profound relief and gratitude, as the faculty and students had long awaited this infrastructure upgrade.

He expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Fajana’s hands-on leadership, noting that the Vice-Chancellor’s personal donation had set a tone of commitment that resonated throughout the school community.

“This is more than just a building; it is a restoration of dignity for our learners,” Dr. Toti remarked. “For years, our secondary section faced logistical hurdles that interrupted the school day. Today, those hurdles have been cleared thanks to the Vice-Chancellor’s vision and the generosity of our parents and staff.”

The Principal highlighted several key benefits the new ablutions would bring to the NULIS premises:

• Improved Hygiene: Reducing wait times and overcrowding, ensuring a healthier environment for all.
• Academic Focus: Minimizing time away from the classroom, allowing students to prioritize their studies.
• Community Pride: Showing students that their needs are heard and acted upon by the university leadership.

A Promise of Stewardship

To conclude the acceptance, Dr. Toti pledged that the school would take full responsibility for the upkeep of the new facilities.

“We accept this gift with open arms and heavy hearts of thanks. We promise to be good stewards of these facilities, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for the current students and the generations of NULIS learners yet to come.”

With the Principal’s acceptance, the ceremony transitioned into a tour of the new block, where staff and parents finally saw the results of their contributions—a modern, clean, and essential addition to the NULIS.

Structural Excellence

The ceremony also featured technical remarks from the NUL Director of Campus Services, Mr. Rasekoai Majoro, whose department was instrumental in transforming the Vice-Chancellor’s vision into a physical reality. The Director provided insight into the construction process, emphasizing that the project was a labor of love for the university’s internal teams.

Mr. Majoro highlighted that the project was not just about increasing capacity, but about ensuring long-term durability and modern standards.

“Our mission was to build a facility that would stand the test of time,” the Director explained. “The University’s maintenance team worked tirelessly, providing the skilled labor necessary to ensure that every pipe laid and every brick placed met the highest safety and hygiene standards. We prioritized robust materials to handle the high volume of use expected at a busy school like NULIS.”

According to the Director, the new block features:

• Modern Plumbing Systems: Designed for efficiency and water conservation.
• Ease of Maintenance: Surfaces and fixtures chosen for their ability to be sanitized quickly and effectively.
• Internal Collaboration: A successful demonstration of how the University’s own labor force can execute high-quality infrastructure projects when provided with the necessary resources.

A Call for Student Cooperation

While praising the craftsmanship of the team, the Director of Campus Services also issued a gentle challenge to the student body.

“We have built this for you with great care,” Mr. Majoro noted. “While my department will oversee the regular servicing, we ask the students to treat these facilities with respect. Good maintenance is a partnership between those who build and those who use.”

The Director concluded by thanking the Vice-Chancellor for his “open-door policy” during the construction phase, noting that Prof. Fajana’s frequent site visits kept the momentum high and ensured the project reached its successful conclusion on schedule for the day of commissioning.

The Chairman of the School Board, Dr. Sebolelo Molete reiterated the school’s gratitude to everyone who contributed to this vision.

“These modern, hygienic facilities mean less time away from the classroom and more focus on what matters. Let’s all work together to be good stewards of these new facilities for current and future learners,” Dr. Molete added. “Let’s work together to keep our campus clean and well-maintained!”

With the new block now open, the students of NULIS can enjoy a more comfortable and hygienic campus life, proving that through leadership and community spirit, even the most basic challenges can be overcome.