NUL Executive Management hosted the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Chull-joo Park on Thursday, 9th December, 2021. This was a preliminary meeting aimed at exploring possibilities for partnerships between South Korea and NUL. This was also part of the Ambassador’s travel to the Kingdom of Lesotho to present credentials to His Majesty King Letsie III.
In his welcome remarks, NUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Fajana indicated that it was the first time that a South Korean Ambassador ever visited the University. He added that he was hopeful that this was the culmination of strong bilateral relations and a partnership that will bear fruitful outcomes for the benefit of the two countries and NUL.
He noted that though the University does not have South Korean students at present, plans are in place to design new attractive programmes (which focus on technological advancement, the School of Engineering, Medical School, etc) that will help expand NUL’s footprint of international students beyond the continental borders. He emphasized that since its establishment more than 75 years ago, NUL continues to play a vital role in human capital development in Southern Africa and the whole continent; create champions in African leaders. He hoped NUL could leverage on the resources that the Republic of Korea has in order to improve the University’s academic programmes.
Speaking at the same occasion, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kananelo Mosito reiterated that NUL could benefit from interaction with credible academic and research institutions in Korea for the development of academic programmes as well as student exchange programmes that will enhance learning, research and cultural exchanges.
H.E. Ambassador Park gave assurance on his commitment to establish and strengthen partnerships with NUL and to liaise with Korean institutions to forge collaborations with NUL. He added that he was ready to share Korean experiences in economic development, technology and culture through lectures/seminars and donation of books to the Library. The Ambassador also brought a small globe as a token of appreciation for the NUL Library.
Both institutions were also deeply concerned about the escalating teenage pregnancy among girls, which usually sees girls dropping out of school.
