By Itumeleng Koleile Maseru – The 36th annual Association for Educational Assessment in Africa conference last Friday marked the beginning of Lesotho’s reign as leader of the association as Dr. Litšabako Ntoi was crowned as President of AEAA for a duration of a year. Friday marked both the closure of the conference and the beginning of a huge responsibility for Lesotho as Dr. Ntoi received the presidency during Women’s Month, hence representing women in their month. August is Women’s Month. She indicated that she was very humbled to have been given such a responsibility and pledged to bring nothing but the best during her reign. She extended her gratitude to the ministry of education and training for having made it possible for the conference to be a success. “It is undeniable that this opportunity brings an overwhelming exposure professionally and diplomatically in so far as the Examinations Council of Lesotho and Lesotho are concerned. I feel humbled to affirm that this presidency could have been a dream that never saw its day had it not been for the extended assistance from the ministry of education and training,” she said. According to Dr. Ntoi, ECoL is therefore thankful to the ministry of education and training for the noble gesture and for being an epicenter in the success of the conference. She also added that it is significant to note that the conference did not only serve the organization’s interests, it also the complimented the ministry’s strategic goals and the vision 2020 regarding education. She also highlighted that through the conference, Lesotho is an integral part of addressing the educational challenges in the 21st century. In handing over the presidency, Dr. Dan Nokranch Odongo said he was privileged to peacefully hand over the presidency to Dr. Litšabako Ntoi. He adorned her with the surge of authority, handed over the constitution – AEAA Charter for her to protect and also gave her the association’s strategic plan. Dr. Odongo praised the local organizing committee stating that it has been meticulous and paid attention to every detail. “Upon my stay, I have come to realize that Basotho have the warmest caring hearts,” he said. In addition, he said as per the minister’s statement, he hopes and believes that the minister of education training will ensure that the African Union recognizes the AEAA as promised and that by the next 37th annual conference all would have been worked upon. He complimented the minister of education and training for his presence on some of the days of the conference as that indicated eloquent testimony of the high value the country had for the conference. “We carry fond memories. Sadly, all good things come to an end so we shall, very reluctantly leave Lesotho,” he said. Dr. Ntoi assumes AEAA presidency following Her Excellency ‘Maesaia Thabane our First Lady’s assumption of the 12th SCCA Stop Cervical Breast and Prostate Cancers in Africa Conference & Exhibition presidency, after successfully hosted its 12th edition. It was revealed at the conference that the 37th annual AEAA conference will be hosted by the West African Examinations Council, Nigeria. The conference will be hosted under the theme – Innovations in educational assessment at Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Abuja Hotel.