National University of Lesotho

The National University of Lesotho is in Roma, some 34 kilometers southeast of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The Roma valley is broad and is surrounded by a barrier of rugged mountains which provides magnificent scenery. The university enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The governing body of the University is the Council and academic policy is in the hands of Senate, both Council and Senate being established by the Act.[1]

National University of Lesotho
Former names
Pius XII Catholic University College, University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland[1]
Motto'Nete ke Thebe (Truth is a Shield)
TypePublic
Established1945
PresidentChancellor King Letsie III[2]
Students2,013[3]
Location
Roma
,
Lesotho
Campus198 acres (80 hectares)[4]
ColorsRed and White
NicknameRovers
Websitewww.nul.ls

Academics

Faculties and departments:[5]

Membership

History

Pius XII Catholic University College
View to the National University of Lesotho (center)

The origins of the National University of Lesotho (NUL)[6] date to April 8, 1945, when a Catholic University College was founded at Roma by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy of Southern Africa. The establishment of this college was a realisation of a decision taken in 1938 by the Synod of Catholic Bishops in South Africa to provide African Catholic students with post-matriculation and religious guidance. The Catholic University College was founded in an isolated valley 34 kilometers from Maseru in a temporary primary school building at Roma Mission.[1]

In 1946, the college moved from the temporary building to the present site. This was made possible by the allocation of some 52 acres (210,000 m²) of land to the college by the paramount chief.

In 1950, the Catholic University College was ceded to the Congregation of Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Pius XII College prepared its students for the external degrees of the University of South Africa (UNISA). By September 27, 1954, having satisfied itself that Pius XII College was an academically viable institution, UNISA agreed to enter into a formal agreement — thereby granting "Associate College" status. This development was of major significance to the Roma intellectual community as it entailed a degree of "decentralisation" in specific areas on the part of UNISA, e.g., Pius Xil College assumed greater responsibility for tuition and examinations. Indeed, between 1954 and 1960 the academic and physical growth of the college accelerated. Fathers Beaule, Quirion, and Guilbeault (then rector) participated actively in its early development.

In the early 60s the college experienced academic and financial difficulties. UNISA unilaterally decided to redefine its relationship with the college and, finally, the main benefactor directed its resources elsewhere.

The denominational character of the Catholic University College made it difficult for international organizations, agencies, and foundations to fund such an institution of higher learning. Despite these problems, advice received from John Lockwood and James Cook, both vice-chancellors of British universities, discouraged the college authorities from seeking an affiliation with either the University of London or any other overseas university. As early as 1952, attempts by the college to secure a special relationship with the University of London, through the Inter-University Council for Higher Education Overseas (commonly referred to as the I-VC) had been unsuccessful.

In view of the prevailing difficulties, seen as a danger to the development of university education in Basutoland in 1962, the general of the Oblate Congregation requested Fathers Banim, 0.M.I. and A. W. Hall, O.M.I. to visit Roma and assist the college in finding a practical solution to its problems.

The South African government had declared its intention not to admit African students from outside South Africa into the University of Fort Hare and the Natal Medical School (Wentworth) after December 31, 1953. Although this ban was relaxed for Basutoland students until 1958, the writing was on the wall.

The college, which by 1959 had 171 students, 141 of whom were students from outside Basutoland — mainly from South Africa, Northern and Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland — was deeply involved in contributing to the training of future civil servants and teachers for the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland. Clearly, the High Commission Territories (H.C.T.) were indebted to Pius XII College for its role in producing a cadre of educated women and men to tackle developmental problems after independence. On the other hand, the college, which was going through a period of financial difficulties, felt that it would be most appreciative if its efforts in providing the prerequisite manpower needs for the H.C.T. could be recognized both in cash and in kind. At the same time, it was apparent that the H.C.T. wanted to play a more significant role in the decision-making bodies of the Catholic University College. In a curious way, the Catholic Church, the Basutoland government, the university authorities and even other High Commission Territories sensed the need for a decisive step to be taken to the re-define the role and the governance of the college.

Negotiations began with the view to establishing an inter-territorial, non-denominational university, principally to serve the H.C.T. It has been said that by that time the three High Commission Territories were beginning to see the college as destined to become a "University of the High Commission Territories". Progress was made to enable a deed of cession to be signed on June 13, 1963, the indemnity being met jointly by the Ford Foundation and H.M.'s government in the UK. The indemnity was signed between Hugh Stephenson, then newly appointed high commissioner acting on behalf of the projected new university. At the time of signing the indemnity the facilities of the college, most of which were attributed to the period when Fr. Romeo Guilbeaut was Rector, had expanded rapidly. Besides the original "temporary" houses and classrooms, residences which could accommodate 100 male and 70 female students, some 20 staff houses/flats, a modem science block, a kitchen and refectory block, administrative buildings, workshops, garage and a power plant were in existence. Under construction was a new library building whose funding had been secured form the World Council of Churches and the World University Service. Student numbers had grown from the original five to 180.

University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland

On January 1, 1964, Plus XII University College was replaced by the independent, non-denominational University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate, and Swaziland with its own charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II. By virtue of the same charter, the Oblate Fathers kept a close relationship with the U.B.B.S. through serving on the Council and teaching, as well as in the physical presence of Pius XII College House, a residence for the Oblate community.[1]

University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland

To be in line with the names chosen after independence in 1966, U.B.B.S. became the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.[1]

A historical date in the life of U.B.L.S. is April 7, 1967, when the first autonomous degrees and diplomas were conferred. The university continued to grow steadily, physically and academically, being supported by the three governments' subventions and by international organisations. In time, branches were established in Botswana and Swaziland.

U.B.L.S., though much admired as an institution, soon found problems in the areas of growth and administration. Cooperation between the three campuses was not always consistent and equal, as interests and concerns about development and future plans differed between the three campuses.

By 1974, ten years after its establishment, the U.B.L.S. was offering five degree courses, eleven diploma and certificate courses and four postgraduate degree courses.

National University of Lesotho

The decision to establish the National University of Lesotho on the Lesotho (Roma) campus site of the former U.B.L.S. was taken on October 20, 1975, by the National Assembly through Act No. 13 of 1975. NUL is the proud heir of Pius XII University College and U.B.L.S. It occupies the same site, grounds, and buildings as its predecessors, as well as additional ones.[1]

Over the years new faculties and departments have been established, particularly with the help of the EU. The Dutch for example have been key to establishing the Education faculty at the university.

Academic performance

In June 2011, the Lesotho Times reported that half of the students in three of the seven faculties at the University failed their examinations.[7] This "unprecedented failure rate" was in the law, health sciences and science and technology faculties.

Library

The National University of Lesotho supports open access in Lesotho and has signed the Budapest Open Access Initiative. In 2011, the National University of Lesotho has established the first institutional repository in the country. The National University of Lesotho Institutional Repository (NULIR) is the institutional repository and provides access to the research output of staff and students.[8]

Notable alumni

See also Category:National University of Lesotho alumni

Honorary Doctoral recipients
  • 1967 Mr. S. T. Sukati, Former Chairman and Member of the University Council and Speaker of the National Assembly of Swaziland, Doctor of Laws
  • 1968 H. E. Sir Seretse Khama, Former Chancellor of UBLS 1967-1970, President of the Republic of Botswana, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 1971 Professor J. W. Blake, Former Vice-Chancellor, UBLS, 1964-1971, Doctor of letters
  • 1973 Dr. C. W. de IGewict, President Emeritus, University of Rochester, New York, Member of the University Council. Doctor of Literature
  • 1973 Dr. H. F. Oppenheimer, Chancellor, University of Cape-Town, Chairman, Anglo American Corporation, Doctor of Literature
  • 1978 Rev. Dr. Romeo Guilbeault, OMI Former Rector of Pius XII College, 1954-1959, Doctor of Literature
  • 1978 Dr. Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa, OBE, Composer, Doctor of Literature
  • 1978 Dr. Nelson Mandela, First President of South Africa, former Political Leader and Robben Island Detainee in South Africa, Doctor of Laws
  • 1980 Morena ‘Mako Moliboea, Chief of Khanyane, Doctor of philosophy
  • 1981 Dr. Amadou-Mahtar M’bow, Director General of UNESCO, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 1993 Dr. Leabua Jonathan, Prime Minister of Lesotho, Doctor of Education
  • 1983 Dr. Colin B. Mackay, Former President of the University of New Brunswick, Doctor of Education
  • 1983 Dr. ’Masechele Khaketla, Author and High School Teacher, Doctor of Literature
  • 1985 Dr. J.T. Kolane, Former Speaker of the National Assembly 1973-1985 in Lesotho, Doctor of Laws
  • 1985 Dr. M. Damane, Historian, Doctor of Literature
  • 1985 Dr. I. Mohamed, Professor of Mathematics, Doctor of Science and Mathematics
  • 1987 Professor Josias Makibinyane Mohapeloa, Professor and Former Dean of Education, National University of Lesotho, Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • 1987 Dr. Julius Nyerere, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Doctor of Laws
  • 1987 Professor David Blackwell, Professor of Statistics, University of California, Berkeley, Doctor of Science
  • 1990 Dr. J.J.N. Machobane, Agriculturalist & Writer, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 1990 Dr. Ntsu Clement Mokhehle, Former Leader of the Basutoland Congress Party, Doctor of Laws
  • 1990 Dr. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, Doctor of Laws
  • 1991 Dr. B.T. Mohapeloa, Teacher & Pioneer of Self-help Organisation, Doctor of Letters
  • 1992 Dr. Oliver Tambo, Former Leader of the African National Congress, Doctor of Laws
  • 1996 Dr. B.M. Khaketla, Writer, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 1997 Dr. Paul Ellenberger, Palaeontologist, Doctor of Science
  • 2001 Dr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Fifth President of South Africa, Lawyer, Businessman, Labour and Political Leader, Doctor of Laws.
  • 2001 Dr. Thokoana James Motlatsi, Businessman and Labour Leader, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences
  • 2005 Dr. Karabo Eric Lekhanya, Renowned music composer, Doctor of Literature
  • 2005 Dr. Nkau J. Lepheana, Renowned music composer, Doctor of Literature
  • 2005 Dr. Benjamin William Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Doctor of Law
  • 2006 Dr. Anthony Malefetsane Setšabi, Former Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, Doctor of Education
  • 2006 Dr. Robert Dunbar Leslie, Founder of the Department of Law at the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, Doctor of Law
  • 2010 Professor Adamu David Baikie, Former Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 2010 Mr. Mothusi Mashologu, Former Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, Doctor of Literature
gollark: America's healthcare system is really just very terrible right now.
gollark: Personally I would say that crime is mostly caused by bad material conditions, but not entirely.
gollark: People like having more things.
gollark: There are people trying to remove "master/slave" and "blacklist/whitelist" terminology from some programming projects and documentation, which seems really stupid.
gollark: There was someone on Twitter saying that one of the things they needed badly was *phone chargers*.

See also

References
  1. National University of Lesotho. History Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine Verified 2010-09-15.
  2. National University of Lesotho. Officers of the University Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  3. Southern African Regional Universities Association. National University of Lesotho Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  4. National University of Lesotho. History Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  5. National University of Lesotho Retrieved 2010-09-16.
  6. "Gov.ls". Archived from the original on 2018-02-10. Retrieved 2018-01-07.
  7. Motsoeli, Ntsebeng (23 June 2011). "Half of NUL students fail". The Lesotho Times.
  8. "Lesotho - Global Open Access Portal". UNESCO. Retrieved 2017-05-06.

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