Higher Education Act an Attempt to Respond to Quality Assurance Challenges - DPM Lehohla

The Higher Education Act is an initial attempt by the country to respond to the daunting challenges including the expansion of and differentiation in higher education, pertinence, quality assurance, financing and governance facing governments not only in Lesotho but throughout the sub-Saharan Africa. 

Speaking at a workshop for managers of public institutions of higher education to discuss the Higher Education Act 2004, in Maseru on May 6, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Lesao Lehohla said higher education of good quality is crucial for driving the socio-economic development of Lesotho.

Primary education alone is not enough to drive the process of development forward but also needed a  secondary level to provide a link with higher learning. It was therefore also crucial to have secondary education of good quality to build on the foundation laid at primary level.

The Act provides for the establishment of a Council on higher education and its structures, establishment of public higher education institutions, financing, registration and closure of public and private institutions of higher education, Mr. Lehohla said.

The Act will come into operation as soon as it has been published in the Government Gazette.

07 May 2004