New NUL Vice-Chancellor Assumes Duty

The New NUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Olusola Fajana assumed duty on 2^nd August, 2021. Prof. Fajana is the 10^th NUL Vice-Chancellor and he succeeds Prof. Nqosa Leuta Mahao who had served from November, 2014 until May 2019 when he resigned. Prof. ‘Manthoto Lephoto took the reins as Acting Vice-Chancellor until October 2019 when she left the University. Prof. Kananelo Mosito (KC) then took over from November 2019.

In her welcome remarks and on behalf of the NUL Council this morning, the Chairman of NUL Council, Advocate Kuena Mophethe expressed sentiments of congratulations and good wishes to Prof. Fajana for the new job, while also expressing deepest appreciation to Prof. Mosito for holding the fort.

Adv. Mophethe advised the in-coming Vice-Chancellor to uphold the NUL’s Vision, Mission and Values as he executes his duties in order to do his work, efficiently. She reassured him of the support of NUL Management, Staff and students at all times.

“By following the principles of good governance management, honouring the NUL values, embracing equality and diversity as well as taking constructive criticism, you will be able to lead this University and take it to greater heights. The University faces many challenges which are mostly finance-related but we are all here to support you to steer this ship to prosperity and good global standing”, said Adv. Mophethe.

She emphasised on the importance of communicating with all constituencies to ensure that his intentions are received by all so that the NUL Community adapts and embraces the changes he brings forth. She also reminded the new Vice-Chancellor that as the new face of NUL, his public and private life matter as he now carries the name of NUL.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Fajana started by thanking the University Council through its Chair, Adv. Mophethe for bringing him on board; he appreciated Prof. Mosito for being in charge and keeping the University professionally managed under his leadership. He acknowledged the financial and other constraints that NUL is facing and promised to do all in his power to bring authentic leadership and positive changes (where necessary) for the improvement of the institution.

“A university is always looked up to for solving problems of a community but the best way to achieve this is to start first by solving the university’s own problems. With all the ingenuity that exists at NUL, we shall be able to overcome our obstacles, help Lesotho and the whole world while at the same time improving the quality of our programmes and maintaining the international rankings we aspire for”, Prof. Fajana stated.

He further assured the NUL Executive Management and the NUL Community that he will uphold the values of the University and demonstrate virtues of an authentic leader.

“I promise to work well with all of you. With so many people from diverse backgrounds, a university is the best place to uphold the values of diversity, equality and inclusion to ensure fair treatment and opportunity for all in order to avoid prejudice and discrimination”, he added.

Born and bred in Nigeria, Prof. Fajana holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Relations from the University of Lagos, Nigeria acquired in 1991. He also holds a Master of Science in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the same university in 1985, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria acquired in 1981.

He has a vast teaching experience obtained from a number of Universities. He attained the rank of Full Professor in 2002 and has held positions of Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University from 2011 to 2018.  Prof. Fajana was the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration in the University of Lagos from 2006 to 2007 and Head of Department for two terms in the same university.

Prof. Fajana is an acclaimed publisher who is also the current Chairman of the Planning and Implementing Committee of the Proposed Vision University of Ikogbo-Igbesa since 2019. He has been a member of Council of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and the Nigeria Industrial Relations Association since 1989. He was recently elected into the Executive Committee of the International Labour and Employment Relations Association, based at the International Labour Office in Geneva.