National University of Lesotho plays an important role in Lesotho education and is considered to be one of the best universities of the country. The university is situated in Roma, a city located 34 km southeast of Lesotho’s capital city Maseru. The strategic location of National University of Lesotho makes it easily accessible from all parts of the country and also increases the possibility of international connectivity. National University of Lesotho campus currently covers an area of about 80 hectare. The university is a member of a number of associations, some of which are:
- International Association of Universities
- Association of Commonwealth Universities
- Association of Eastern and Southern African Universities
- Association of African Universities
History of National University of Lesotho
The beginning of National University of Lesotho dates back to 8th April, 1945 with the establishment of a Catholic University at Roma. The Catholic University College was founded in a remote valley in a provisional primary school edifice at Roma Mission situated at a distance of 34 kilometers from Maseru.
In the year 1946, the College was shifted to the current site for which 52 acres of land was allocated to the college by the Paramount Chief. The Pius XII College used to prepare the students for getting University of South Africa’s external degrees. In 1954, Pius XII College got the status of “Associate College”. Pius XII College was replaced by non-denominational, independent University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate, and Swaziland on 1st January, 1964. The institution was renamed University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland after Lesotho’s independence in 1966.
On 20th October 1975, it was decided that National University of Lesotho would be set up on the university ground of the former University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland or U.B.L.S at Lesotho. National University of Lesotho dwells in the same location and has the same buildings and grounds of its heirs, Pius XII College and U.B.L.S.
Faculties and facilities at the National University of Lesotho
The faculties of National University of Lesotho include the following:
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Health Science
- Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
- Faculty of Humanities
These faculties are further categorized into several departments.
Some of the facilities provided by The National University of Lesotho to its students include the following:
- Students’ Complex or Mzalas
- Several Libraries
- Basketball Courts
- Volleyball Courts
The different libraries of National University of Lesotho are scattered across the different campuses of this educational institution in Lesotho. Among these, the Thomas Mofolo Library is the main library of the university and is situated within the main campus in Roma.
Contact Detail of the National University of Lesotho
The National University of Lesotho can be contacted at the following address:
The National University of Lesotho
P.O. Roma 180
Maseru 100
Telephone : 34 0601
Telegrams: Uniter, Roma, Lesotho
Telex: 4303 LO
Telefax: 34 0000
