Limpho Sello
EIGHT hundred and forty two Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) graduates were conferred with Associate and Honours Degrees during the institute’s fourth graduation ceremony held at the Lehakoe Recreation Club on Thursday.
The graduates were from LUCT’s faculties of Communications, Media and Broadcasting, Business and Globalisation, Information Technology, Design and Innovation, Creativity in Tourism and Hospitality as well as Architecture and Build Environment. Among those present was former premier, Pakalitha Mosisili, Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, High Court judge, Justice Tšeliso Monaphathi, Development Planning Minister, Moeketsi Majoro and Education and Training Minister, ‘Makabelo Mosothoane, among others.
In her address, Ms Mosothoane lauded LUCT for developing and shaping the students by immersing them in a “broad-based, dynamic learning experience”. She further noted the next generation of professionals and businesses leaders need to be creative thinkers, adding that the university had succeeded in that regard.
“The skills Basotho youths have acquired through this university will enable the country to venture into the global social media infrastructure and build new wealth for the nation,” said Ms Mosothoane.
“Their skills in the use of new media and technology will open up the creative sector.
“To the graduates, I wish to remind you of your responsibilities to this nation. As you have worked hard to earn the qualifications you are graduating with today, you must continue to work hard to show the nation it was worthwhile to invest in you.”
Ms Mosothoane also urged the graduates to serve as an inspiration to younger generations so they can emulate, and even exceed, the strides they have made.
“It is your responsibility to ensure the generation that comes after you benefits from the same funds that sent you to school,” she said. “In other words, be responsible citizens and pay off the loans that have given you this start in life.”
Mr Metsing also congratulated the graduates, adding that LUCT had challenged the government to review some of its long-standing policies on public service recruitment.
“Ordinarily, the government would, around this time, be devising strategies to absorb these graduates into the public service,” said Mr Metsing.
“This is not the case with Limkokwing graduates. They are ready and independent enough to face the business world. As a result, the government has been compelled to put more effort towards assisting start-up businesses.”
Mr Metsing said he hopes to see government, together with LUCT, international partners and the business community at large, working towards a comprehensive plan to support start-up businesses.
“The provision of education remains a top priority for the government of Lesotho,” he said.
“In my opinion, and as a confirmation of the government’s commitment to education, it is high time our Constitution be amended to make provision for education as a justiciable right.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kananelo Phakisi an Associate Degree in Public Relations graduate, said they all came to Limkokwing hungry to launch a better future and ready to be chiselled into leaders, innovators and pioneers of various fields.
Ms Phakisi said the university has not disappointed since they got exactly what they had longed for.
“What my fellow graduates and myself have received today is more than a piece of paper granting us entry to the next stage,” said Ms Phakisi.
“It means we nailed it and it was worth all the effort. However, it did not come easily. We won’t forget the frustrations we encountered during the course of our studies.
“We are world class contributors and ready to shift society’s views. We deserve to be front page news since we are the best!”
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