Roma
In a significant milestone for academic collaboration, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and the University of Liverpool (UL) signed a memorandum of understanding to foster mutual academic and research cooperation between the two institutions this week.
This partnership is expected to open new avenues for joint research projects, academic exchanges and capacity building initiatives. Merging their resources and expertise, NUL and UL seek to enhance the quality of education and research in different industries.
It also marks the start of a fruitful alliance that will interest students, university faculty members and researchers from both universities.
“Today we are here witnessing the signing of the MoU between the two institutions seperated by geography but combined by ambition, purpose and shared belief in transformative power in education,” the NUL Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Fajana, said in his remarks, adding that the agreement is far more than ink on paper but a bridge linking academic partnerships built on mutual respect.
“Through this collaboration, we envision joint research projects, faculty and students exchange, as well as shared curriculum”, VC Fajana continued.
He further acknowledged all the parties involved in the alliance, highlighting that their efforts are recognised.
Deputy Vice Chancellor from the University of Liverpool, Professor Richard Black, expressed gratitude to the NUL team for the beautiful collaboration, saying they work with many universities globally and have several existing activities happening currently because they believe collaboration can help shape the world.
Mr Harry McDonald, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Lesotho, added on to the conversation, saying the ceremony was an exciting experience for him, celebrating the alliance between the NUL and the UK, emphasising that it’s a championship alliance.
“This partnership will be fruitful because of the people working on it,” he said with confidence, highlighting that this is the 4th agreement the NUL has signed with UK-based institutions in the past 3 years.
He said they in the UK keep coming to forge partnerships with Lesotho because they believe in its future and it is a capable nation.
“This partnership would not have been possible without the work and the drive of the team. And I wish the alliance of these two nations grow for the better,” McDonald exclaimed.
The NUL Librarian, Dr Buhle Mbambo-Thata also weighed in by thanking the NUL management team for allowing this collaboration.
“We thank the vice chancellor and the marketing team for supporting this collaboration. This is going to help build good relations between the two institutions.”
Professor Kananelo Mosito, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the NUL closed the ceremony by expressing gratitude to all and the attention granted.
His words echoed pride and joy as he said, “This MoU is far more than a ceremonial act, it is a solemn affirmation of our shared vision, a vision that binds our two institutions in the noble pursuit of scholarships.”
He said that while the day marked the official and formal signing of the partnership, the journey towards it began months ago when they had the honour of hosting guests from the University of Liverpool at the Roma campus.
“Dialogues have just matured in partnerships. I’d also like to acknowledge the vital role played by the British High Commissioner; his commitments to fostering academic and cultural linkages between our two nations have been a fruitful element,” he said.
The NUL was established in 1945 as Pius XII University College and was later renamed the National University of Lesotho in 1975. The University currently has 7 faculties and among its notable alumni is the university’s Chancellor, His Majesty King Letsie III.
