Africa-Press – Lesotho. October 30, marked the last leg of the National University of Lesotho (NUL)’s 50th convocation which saw conferment of 393 graduands in postgraduate studies.
The 50th convocation themed, “Equipping Graduands with Impact”started with the first leg running from September 22 to 26 with conferment degrees in Faculties of Humanities, Education, Law, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Agriculture and Social Sciences.
Postgraduate ceremony which was graced by the presence of former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Lesao Lehohla among others entailed conferment of four doctoral degrees, 209 Masters Degrees, 96 honours degrees and 87 postgraduate diplomas.
In his remarks, Chancellor His Majesty King Letsie III said today they celebrate remarkable milestone in academia. He said they honour dedication perseverance and hard work that has culminated on this academic journey.
He said these degrees should serve as beacon of hope and resilience not only on students but their community. “Your PhD and masters accomplishments stand as commitment to advance knowledge and expertise in national development,” he said.
He said through research they gained skills in entrepreneurship and leadership that must benefit Lesotho and beyond.
He commended the Faculty of Humanities which he said has produced doctoral degrees since 2012 to date with about 14 doctoral graduates saying this is a sign of growth.
“As we celebrate this milestone I challenge all faculties to emulate and exceed this standard of excellence. As we approach the pinnacle of 80th anniversary let’s dedicate it to reaching even greater heights in innovation and research. Flagship programs like masters of Science in sustainable energy, masters of Science in economics are designed to address pressing national development needs”, he added.
He expressed pride in outstanding performance in masters of Science over the years which he said has elevated the institution and country for economic development. He said this testament to university’s commitment to produce and contribute to the country’s socio-economic challenges.
He emphasised that in today’s rapidly changing world, graduands must be equipped to create jobs and contribute to finding solutions to problems that hinder developmental progress.
To the graduands, he urged them to be agents of change, champions of innovation and advocates of justice. He further urged them to be with NUL to building sustainable and equitable future for Basotho. “Never stop learning, never stop elevating and never stop striving for excellence”.
He encouraged them to remain connected to their alma mata, saying they should deposit copies of their thesis in university library so that their work contributes to university knowledge adding that in doing so not only will they enhance future learning but the university’s growth and make it a true centre of research.
He concluded by congratulating graduands and that may their future be bright and their contributions to society be meaningful and transformative.
On the other hand, Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Fajana said these achievements resemble their commitment to excellence.
He said NUL has had remarkable year with programmes remaining relevant to the world, partnerships with private sector strengthened.
He urged graduands to keep learning and contribute to bringing change in their communities and country at large.
He congratulated them for making a positive impact in their lives.
Moreover Chairman of NUL Council Dr. Khabele Matlosa said the graduands should celebrate their hard work and resilience.
He said the world they are entering is very challenging with unemployment being major problem in this country therefore saying they should ask themselves if they want to be job seekers or job creators.
Furthermore, representative of graduands Ms. Qenehelo Mahamo said this moment belongs to all of them, families who carried them when falling, lecturers who supported them and to themselves who despite the body being tired continued to study.
She said they are beacons of hope and that the researches they carried should bring development, and redefine systems.
She congratulated her peers and emphasised that this is their time to make the Lesotho they want.
Meanwhile former Chief Justice Mahapela Lehohla, the late Mrs. Mosebo Chabane, Mr. Lebata Posane and Mr. Tapole Folela were conferred with doctoral degrees in Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science and Doctor of Philosophy in English and Linguistics respectively.
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