The National University of Lesotho conferred President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania with the degree of Doctors of Laws, Honoris Causa, during the African leader’s two day state visit to Lesotho.

Conferring the degree on the President, at a ceremony at the Roma campus on September 23, Chancellor, King Letsie III said the award symbolises the determination of NUL leadership to strengthen relations with universities in Tanzania. It signifies the continued cooperation of institutions of higher learning in the two countries.

In his turn, President Mkapa said Africa is being increasingly marginalized and is only through producing courageous and innovative African men and women that the continent will be able to re-think and change the status quo.

Mr. Mkapa urged NUL students in particular to work very hard in their programmes in order to become enabling leaders in the future.

He thanked his Majesty, the University and the nation at large for the award, which will always be a reminder of his state visit to Lesotho.

26 September 2005