Kananelo Mokhele
The National University of Lesotho (NUL) kicked off a months-long celebration of its 80th anniversary with a vibrant ceremony at its Roma campus on April 8, drawing dignitaries including His Majesty King Letsie III, Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Nthomeng Majara, and Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa, among others.
The milestone underscores NUL’s enduring role as a cornerstone of higher education in a nation grappling with economic pressures and a pressing need for skilled graduates.
Founded on April 8, 1945, as Pius XII University College, NUL was established to provide higher education opportunities for Africans during a time when such access was scarce under colonial rule.
Initially a Catholic institution affiliated with the University of South Africa, it became the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate, and Swaziland (UBBS) in 1964 which was renamed University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland (UBLS), before transforming into the National University of Lesotho in 1975.
Over the past eight decades, NUL has evolved into a vital institution, educating thousands of Basotho and contributing to national development through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Today, it serves over 8,000 students across disciplines like law, education, health sciences, and agriculture, playing a key role in addressing Lesotho’s skills gap.
In his keynote address, His Majesty King Letsie III praised NUL’s journey as “a testament to the aspirations of the Basotho nation.” He highlighted its commitment to intellectual and social progress, noting, “The National University of Lesotho has played a vital role in the development of our people, and its legacy continues to inspire us.”
Education Minister Professor Rapapa echoed this sentiment, emphasising the transformative power of education in a country where youth unemployment stands above 30 percent.
“The future of any nation depends on the quality of its education,” he said. “As a government, we are committed to supporting institutions like NUL to ensure they remain drivers of innovation and development.”
The celebration comes at a critical juncture for Lesotho, a nation of 2.3 million facing economic strain from rising public debt—now at 59 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – and U.S. tariffs threatening its textile sector, which employs about 30,000 workers.
Education is seen as a pathway out of poverty, yet funding constraints have long challenged institutions like NUL which has also faced criticism over the years for limited infrastructure, faculty shortages, and occasional student protests over funding and governance, highlighting the broader systemic challenges in Lesotho’s education sector.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosito acknowledged these hurdles but struck an optimistic tone, expressing gratitude to the university community and stakeholders for their support over the decades.
“This celebration is not only about the past 80 years but also a reaffirmation of our vision for the future,” he said. “We aim to continue being a beacon of knowledge and a force for positive change in Lesotho and beyond.”
The event featured cultural performances, academic exhibitions, and tributes from alumni, showcasing NUL’s profound impact on generations of Basotho and the region.
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