NUL @80: Honouring a Legacy, Inspiring a Nation

NUL @80: Honouring a Legacy, Inspiring a Nation

Writes ‘Mamosa Moteetee

For eight decades, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) has stood as a cornerstone of the country’s higher education system, shaping generations of leaders, professionals, and scholars. The University has nurtured leaders from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African continent, and beyond. Since its establishment, NUL has played a pivotal role in human capital development, knowledge generation, academic research, innovation, community engagement, and public service, firmly positioning itself as a key national institution contributing to Lesotho’s socio-economic and intellectual advancement.

In 2025, NUL commemorated its 80th Anniversary through a carefully curated programme of academic, cultural, sporting, and community-centred activities. Collectively, these events reaffirmed the University’s enduring mandate to advance national development priorities while responding to the evolving demands of higher education in the twenty-first century.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Kananelo Mosito, was appointed Convenor of the anniversary celebrations. In reflecting on the milestone, he noted that the University’s 80-year existence symbolizes the rising aspirations of the people, growing confidence in national intellectual capacity, and the steadfast belief in the University’s active participation in societal development. He further emphasized that NUL is at the forefront of innovation, leading multidisciplinary research initiatives ranging from sustainable technologies to global health solutions.

Celebrated under the theme “Honouring Our Legacy, Embracing Innovation, Shaping the Future,” the anniversary provided an important moment for reflection, inviting the University community and the nation to engage with NUL’s historical journey, institutional achievements, and strategic aspirations for the future.

Institutional Foundations and the Launch of the 80th Anniversary

The official launch of the anniversary celebrations took place on 8 April 2025 at NUL’s historic Roma Campus, a site deeply embedded in the institution’s collective memory. The event brought together University leadership, academic and administrative staff, students, alumni, surrounding communities, and members of the media.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, His Majesty King Letsie III, described the 80th Anniversary as a commemoration of eight decades of dignified, dedicated, and transformative service to the Kingdom of Lesotho, the region, and the African continent. He emphasized that the institution has emerged as a beacon of quality education, where African minds can flourish, the thirst for knowledge can be satisfied, and the spirit of service can be instilled.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Olusola Fajana reflected on the University’s evolution from Pius XII University College to the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland (UBBS), later UBLS, and ultimately to Lesotho’s flagship national university. He highlighted NUL’s sustained contributions to teaching, research, and public service, underscoring its role in leadership development and national progress.

The unveiling of the 80th Anniversary commemorative sculpture at Gerald Circle symbolized continuity, resilience, and institutional identity. During the same event, a plaque for the newly established Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology was unveiled. A historical exhibition at the Thomas Mofolo Library further showcased the University’s rich heritage. The formal launch by His Majesty King Letsie III reaffirmed the University’s strategic importance in promoting social cohesion, intellectual leadership, and national development.

Sport, Wellness, and Community Engagement

Recognizing the role of sport and wellness in fostering social integration and institutional cohesion, NUL incorporated a diverse range of sporting activities into the anniversary programme. These included soccer, aerobics, volleyball, netball, tug of war, and a fun walk, encouraging participation among students, staff, and members of the wider community.

These activities underscored the University’s commitment to holistic education, acknowledging that academic excellence is closely linked to physical well-being, teamwork, and community engagement.

Intellectual Reflection, Institutional Memory, and Alumni Engagement

A public seminar jointly organized by the Alumni Associations of the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS) and the National University of Lesotho provided a critical intellectual platform for examining the University’s historical and contemporary significance.

Through reflective and analytical dialogue, scholars, alumni, and students explored themes related to higher education, political leadership, and institutional memory in Lesotho. The seminar highlighted the importance of preserving historical consciousness while positioning alumni as essential partners in sustaining NUL’s legacy and supporting its future transformation.

Strengthening Academia–Industry Partnerships: Corporate Day and Environmental Stewardship

NUL’s Corporate Day highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and the private sector. Through structured engagements, the University and its corporate partners explored opportunities for innovation, graduate employability, research collaboration, and sustainable development.

The programme concluded with a tree-planting ceremony at the Roma Campus, led by the Vice-Chancellor. This symbolic activity reflected NUL’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable growth, and partnerships grounded in shared social responsibility.

Commemorating Excellence: The 80th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner

The anniversary celebrations culminated in a formal Fundraising Gala Dinner held in Maseru. The event brought together alumni, senior government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. It served both as a celebration of achievement and a reaffirmation of NUL’s national and regional standing.

The primary objective of the Gala Dinner was to raise funds for the construction of a multi-purpose hall and the expansion of student information technology facilities. The event also attracted generous pledges from individuals and corporate partners.

A defining moment of the evening was the launch of the new NUL blazer by His Majesty King Letsie III. The blazer symbolized academic heritage, institutional pride, and collective identity, reinforcing continuity between past, present, and future generations of the University community.

Looking Ahead: NUL’s Next Chapter

As the National University of Lesotho enters its ninth decade, the 80th Anniversary celebrations reaffirmed its position as a critical national asset—one whose role extends beyond academic instruction to include leadership development, research, innovation, and community engagement.

According to the Chancellor, the anniversary is not merely a reflection on the past but a launchpad for the future. He emphasized the University’s commitment to building an institution that is innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking, shaped by sustainability, digital transformation, and global citizenship.

Through sustained dedication to scholarship, service, and institutional transformation, NUL continues to contribute meaningfully to Lesotho’s socio-economic development. As it looks ahead, the University remains well-positioned to respond to emerging national and global challenges while remaining firmly anchored in its historic mission to serve the nation.

Historical Note

On 8 April 1945, in the Roma Valley beneath the hills of Ha Maama, Pius XII University College was established by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy of Southern Africa. Its initial objective was to provide African Catholic students with post-matriculation education and religious guidance. In 1950, the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) assumed responsibility for the institution.

On 1 January 1964, Pius XII University College became an independent, non-denominational institution known as the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland (UBBS), following the granting of a charter by Queen Elizabeth II. After independence in 1966, UBBS became the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS). A significant milestone was reached on 7 April 1967, when the University conferred its first autonomous degrees and diplomas. The National University of Lesotho was formally established on 20 October 1975 following the dissolution of UBLS.

From its humble beginnings in 1945 with five students and a single programme in Theological Studies, the University has grown remarkably. Over the decades, NUL has expanded its academic offerings, faculties, research centres, and international partnerships. Today, the University serves between 8,000 and 10,000 students and offers more than 75 academic programmes, ranging from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, including doctoral degrees.

Global Alumni and Regional Reach

The University actively recruits students from across the Southern African Development Community, including South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Malawi. NUL’s recent top-tier ranking by the African Economic Research Consortium (2025) has further enhanced its visibility among postgraduate students from countries such as Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

While the majority of current students are drawn from the African continent, NUL boasts a global alumni network spanning the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, often facilitated through joint research initiatives and academic exchange programmes.