Blessed with the showers of rain, Lerotholi Polytechnic celebrated its 23rd graduation ceremony on Saturday the 13th October 2018. Cheerfully, the graduates marched in procession to the podium where they were awarded certificates and diplomas of achievement in their different fields of study by the Honourable Minister Of Education Professor Ntoi Rapapa.
In his speech, the Minister conveyed his gratitude to the Governing Council, Management and Lecturers for having contributed in the successful completion of studies for the 747 graduates. He promised to ensure that LP has a Chancellor by next academic year for effective and independent functioning of the institution. Given the prevailing situation of financial and shortage of staff challenges, the Minister appreciated hard effort exerted by the lecturers. He further talked ill of the so called “culture” practised by students and encouraged current students to prioritise their practices and put their education first. He wished all graduates all the best in their future endeavours.
The Chairman of the 5th LP Governing Council also thanked the management, teaching and support staff for their relentless efforts and sacrifices in contributing towards the success of the graduates. He commented them for a remarkable job they did under the challenging circumstances of the Polytechnic. He congratulated the graduating class of 2018 for having achieved this milestone and warned them that life is full of challenges and opportunities and wished them all the best in their future endeavours.
The Rector of Lerotholi Polytechnic, Prof. Sepiriti Tlali, addressed the convocation by commending the LP academic staff for their expertise in imparting knowledge and skills upon which the country’s socio-economic progress depends. The primitive behaviour of students in ill-treating other students adversely impacts the institution. About 31 students got suspended after they were allegedly implicated in these acts. On behalf of the LP management, Prof. Tlali called upon all LP stakeholders to join hands in combatting this behaviour.
On behalf of fellow graduates Malehloa Makhupane (a Construction Management graduate) encouraged them to go and create their own path. She commended the graduates for having travelled this far, and that it was because of their solidarity that they finished the line. She could not over emphasise the barbaric and devilish acts of ending fellow students’ lives in students’ ill-treatment. This does not only bring shame on them as students but also adversely affects their future. It taints the image and reputation of the institution. The class of 2018 pronounced their stand in helping to end this unacceptable behaviour.
Lerotholi Polytechnic is a certified institution of Higher Learning, it offers Diploma and certificate qualifications in Management, Engineering and Craft programmes. Awards were also rewarded to the best performers in their respective fields of study.