The National University of Lesotho (NUL) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Olusola Fajana officially announced the commencement of the NUL 80th anniversary celebrations set to start with a grand opening ceremony on the 8th April, 2025 followed by a series of activities which will run until the end of the year.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, at an occasion held at Roma Campus in the presence of the University staff, students and local media fraternity.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Honouring our Legacy, Embracing Innovation, Shaping the Future“.
Prof. Fajana said the event is reminder of the rich history and legacy of the institution which dates back to April 08th, 1945, when the institution was founded as the Pius XII College (a Catholic University College). He stated that over the years, NUL has evolved and grown, becoming the premier institution of higher learning in Lesotho.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that NUL has a proud tradition of excellence, innovation, and community engagement, and has produced many distinguished alumni who have gone on to make significant contribution to the development of Lesotho, Africa and beyond.
“As we celebrate this milestone and anniversary, we are not only reflecting on our past achievement, but also looking forward to the future. We are committed to continuing to provide high quality education, research and community service that addressing the needs of our nation and the world at large” Prof. Fajana said.
The year-long celebrations are organised by a team led by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kananelo Mosito. Presenting the purpose of the celebrations, Prof. Mosito said that on the 8th April 2025, the NUL will be more than an institution of higher learning for 80 years, as it has been a beacon of knowledge, scholarship, custodian and national visionary developmental champion. adding that from its origin as Pius XII College, NUL has informed, transformed and persevered, adapting to the needs of the times, while donating steadfast in its mission.
“A celebration before us is not simply about marking the passing of time, it is about acknowledging this University’s profound impact on generation of scholars, leaders and change makers. It is a tribute to the countless individuals who have passed through this halls, students who were varied with dreams and left with skills and knowledge to shape the world around them,” Prof. Mosito emphasized.
He indicated that the faculties and academic members whose dedication to the pursuit of excellence has defined the University academic sentiments and that all have contributed to the life and legacy of the National University of Lesotho.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor said the core purpose of this year’s events is to celebrate history, as a foundation upon which “our future is build, so we honour the visionaries who laid the first stone of this great institution and those who recognised a need for a learning centre that could serve Lesotho and our region. We acknowledge the challenges we overcame, the milestone achieved and the resilience that has defined our journey.
Furthermore, Prof. Mosito mentioned that the culmination of the celebrations will be the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture which represents the birth of NUL, its contribution to the development of the country and connection to the unifying vision of King Moshoeshoe I.
Throughout this 80th anniversary year, NUL will be hosting a series of events, conferences, and activities that will showcase academic programs, research endeavours and community engagement initiative.
From the 8th to 14th April, the Roma Campus will host an open week, encouraging the public to explore the university’s facilities, attend sample lectures and participate in interactive exhibitions highlighting NUL’s accomplishments over the past 80 years.
In a way to symbolize NUL’s dedication to environmental sustainability, 80 indigenous trees will be planted across the NUL campuses at Roma, Maseru, Mohale’s Hoek and Mahobong.
Besides, the University will launch the “80 for 80” campaign whereby 80 notable alumni will be selected and featured each week until the end of the year.
Monthly highlights (May – October 2025)
May – Academic Excellence Month
June – Cultural Heritage Month
July – Community Engagement Month
August – Youth and Innovation Month
September – International Collaboration Month
October – Culmination and Gala Celebration
