National University of Lesotho Reviews Nutrition Programmes to Strengthen Future Healthcare and Food Science Professionals

The National University of Lesotho (NUL) has taken an important step towards strengthening nutrition education by convening a stakeholders’ consultative workshop to review and validate its proposed undergraduate and postgraduate nutrition programmes. Held at the University’s Roma campus on Tuesday this week, the workshop brought together experts from government, academia, development organisations and the private sector to help shape the future of nutrition education in Lesotho. The initiative demonstrates NUL’s commitment to ensuring that its academic programmes remain relevant, practical and responsive to the country’s changing healthcare and development needs. As nutrition continues to play a central role in addressing public health challenges, food security and disease prevention, the University is positioning itself to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact. The curriculum review also reflects a broader vision of preparing professionals who can contribute to national development while meeting international standards in nutrition science.

The Department of Nutrition within the Faculty of Health Sciences has led the comprehensive curriculum review as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver quality, competency-based education. The updated programmes have been designed to respond to national development priorities, labour market demands and emerging global trends in nutrition education and professional practice. Universities around the world are increasingly adapting their curricula to ensure graduates possess practical competencies alongside strong theoretical foundations. NUL’s review follows this global direction by placing greater emphasis on industry relevance, research capacity and multidisciplinary learning. The result is a curriculum that better prepares students for careers in healthcare, research, food industries, policy development and community nutrition.

One of the most significant outcomes of the review is the redesign of the existing Bachelor of Science in Nutrition into a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutritional Science. The revised qualification introduces two specialised academic streams that will allow students to pursue careers aligned with their professional interests. The Human Nutrition and Dietetics stream will focus on clinical nutrition, dietetic practice and health promotion, preparing graduates to support patients and communities through evidence-based nutritional care. The Nutrition and Food Science stream will provide students with expertise in food production, food quality, food safety and nutritional sciences, supporting careers within the food industry and related sectors. By offering specialised pathways, the University aims to produce graduates with deeper expertise while responding to the growing demand for professionals with targeted skills.

In addition to strengthening undergraduate education, the Department has developed a new Master of Science in Nutrition programme. The postgraduate qualification has been designed to strengthen advanced training, leadership, research capacity and evidence-based practice in nutrition and public health. As Lesotho continues to face challenges related to malnutrition, food insecurity and non-communicable diseases, there is an increasing need for highly trained professionals capable of conducting research and developing effective interventions. The new master’s programme will help prepare graduates to lead nutrition programmes, influence policy development and contribute to scientific research that supports improved health outcomes. It will also provide opportunities for professionals already working in the sector to further their education while contributing to national development.

The workshop also marked another major milestone with the proposal to rename the academic unit from the Department of Nutrition to the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science. This proposed name change reflects the Department’s expanded academic mandate and recognises the broader range of disciplines now included within its teaching and research activities. The new identity aligns the Department with international developments in nutrition science, dietetics and food science while acknowledging the growing importance of multidisciplinary approaches to health and nutrition. The revised name also communicates more clearly the diversity of career pathways available to future graduates. As nutrition science continues to evolve, the Department aims to position itself as a leading centre for education, research and professional training in the region.

A key feature of the consultative workshop was the participation of a broad range of stakeholders representing different sectors of society. Government ministries, regulatory bodies, development partners, universities and private sector organisations all contributed their expertise during the discussions. Participants reviewed the proposed curricula, assessed graduate competencies and learning outcomes, and identified the practical knowledge and professional skills required by future nutrition professionals. These discussions ensured that the programmes would reflect the expectations of employers while addressing current and emerging public health challenges. Such collaborative curriculum development also strengthens relationships between higher education institutions and industries that will eventually employ graduates.

The workshop included representatives from several influential organisations that play important roles in nutrition, healthcare, agriculture and food systems. These included the Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the Ministry of Trade, the Lesotho National Dairy Board, SolidarMed, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, UNICEF and Baylor College of Medicine. Each organisation contributed valuable insights based on its own experience in addressing nutrition and public health issues in Lesotho. Their diverse perspectives helped identify areas where graduates will need stronger practical skills, technical knowledge and leadership abilities. This collaborative approach increases the likelihood that the final programmes will meet both national priorities and international professional standards.

Another important topic discussed during the workshop was the need to strengthen collaboration between the University and industry. Participants explored opportunities to expand teaching partnerships, enhance research activities and increase work integrated learning opportunities for students. Practical experience has become an essential part of higher education because it enables students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings before graduation. Strong partnerships with hospitals, research institutions, government departments and private companies also improve graduate employability while helping employers access skilled professionals. By strengthening these relationships, NUL aims to create learning experiences that prepare students for the realities of professional practice.

The recommendations gathered during the consultative workshop will now be incorporated into the final programme documents before they are submitted to the Council on Higher Education for accreditation. This final stage is essential to ensure that the new qualifications meet all required academic and professional standards before implementation. Accreditation will also provide assurance that graduates receive qualifications recognised by employers and professional bodies. The University’s willingness to engage stakeholders throughout the review process demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and academic quality. Careful consultation also helps ensure that the programmes remain relevant as healthcare, nutrition science and labour market demands continue to evolve.

The National University of Lesotho’s curriculum review represents an important investment in the future of nutrition education, healthcare and public health. By redesigning its undergraduate programme, introducing a new master’s qualification and expanding the Department’s academic focus, NUL is strengthening its ability to produce highly skilled professionals equipped to address Lesotho’s evolving nutrition challenges. The collaborative consultative process has ensured that the programmes reflect the needs of government, industry, healthcare providers and development partners while maintaining high academic standards. As the final recommendations move towards accreditation, the University is laying a strong foundation for educating future nutrition specialists who will improve health outcomes and contribute to national development. These initiatives reinforce NUL’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and producing graduates capable of making a meaningful difference in Lesotho and beyond.