The National University of Lesotho (NUL) Council has released a public statement announcing a separation agreement between Professor Nqosa Mahao as the Vice Chancellor and the University ahead of his contract’s expiry in November this year. The agreement, which will take effect from June 1, is dated May 28, 2019 and signed by NUL Registrar’s Mrs Liteboho Maqalika-Lerotholi.
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June 1, 2019
2 min read
Search begins for Mahao’s replacement at NUL
Professor Nqosa Mahao
While the Council is looking for his replacement, Prof Mahao will be handing over the responsibilities for the running of NUL to Associate Professor 'Manthoto Lephoto who is currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor. On behalf of the entire University community, the Council took the opportunity to thank Prof. Mahao for his illustrious service to NUL and wished him success in his future endeavours. Prof Mahao is said to be leaving NUL at a time when a number of infrastructure development initiatives are being explored through the public private partnership to address, among others, provision of students accommodation and sporting complex.
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He re-joined NUL after working in a number of South African universities where he occupied various executive positions all of which adequately equipped him with the necessary administrative pedigree to serve at the helm of NUL. The Council said Prof Mahao has over the past four and half years distinguished himself as an outstanding leader as initiatives aimed at re-positioning the university in the sub region were implemented because of his resourcefulness.
Highlighting some of the initiatives implemented during the tenure of retiring Vice Chancellor, the Council includes, amongst others, the review of academic programmes and introduction of new ones to respond to national developmental needs and their accreditation with the Council of Higher Education (CHE). The roll-out of Open and Distant Learning (ODL) mode at the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) to reach out to Basotho aspiring to learn wherever they maybe; the enhancement and expansion of the post-graduate programmes footprint in all faculties and institutes of the university to meet the objectives set-out in the 2015-2020 strategic plan; are some of the changes.
Currently NUL has 42 active postgraduate programmes. Furthermore Prof Mahao is said to have participated in the establishment of the NUL Water Institute to harness research and training in water management, engineering and the economic importance of water as a key national resource of Lesotho. “As part of the growth of academic offerings, important progress has already been made in the conceptualisation of engineering programmes, as well as in the motivation and design of the school of engineering building,” the council said.
Over and above these, Prof. Mahao is reported to have also taken part in the establishment of the NUL Innovation Hub and conceptualisation of the University's Industrial Park to lay the foundation for the university's contribution in the development and of the national economy and an industrial base. “Under his leadership, the university enjoyed the longest spell of industrial stability,” the council concluded.
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