Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) Lesotho held its second graduation ceremony where it awarded certificates to 1159 graduates.

Comparing the two graduation ceremonies that Limkokwing Lesotho has held so far since it first opened in 2008, the initial graduation ceremony held in 2011 only awarded 380 certificates compared to this years’ 1159.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of LUCT, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr Limkokwing said this University is continuing to make a differences in 150 countries across the world and it is yet to brighten many Basotho’s lives.

He pleaded with the graduates to use the skills they have acquired from the University to create more jobs for Basotho, adding at this year’s convocation that “the future is now in your hands”.

“As we know it, the future is simply in the empty space of time that lies ahead of us, that of time is now in your hands. What you do with it today will determine where you will be tomorrow.”

Moreover, Dr Limkokwing added that it’s logic that every step that the graduates take will either move them closer to their dream or take them further away from it. It stands to reason that the earlier they decide where they want to be, the sooner they will achieve their dreams, he said.

“Young people just like you have been at the forefront of recent ground-breaking innovations,” he said. “The people who created Facebook, Google, Yahoo, and Twitter were no older than you when they set out to create their footprints in Cyberspace. In creating those giant footprints, they have reduced the world to the size of a smartphone.”

He noted that by 2040, Africa is expected to overtake China and India with the largest and youngest workforce in the world.

Additionally, the Prime Minister, Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane congratulated all the graduates and said he had received reports that show that this University is doing great work since their students are already creating an impact in the industries where they are doing their internship.

He said a number of them worked on a film about Lesotho called “The Forgotten Kingdom”. And at Lesotho TV they are doing sterling work in script writing, editing and producing programmes for air.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this University is transforming Lesotho youth to become creatively skilled and highly motivated citizens that Lesotho needs to fulfill its national aspirations,” he added.

The Prime Minister said he is not surprised by this beneficial development because this University is founded by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing, who is recognised by the Malaysian Government as Malaysia’s Father of Innovation in Creative Education and his institution as the University of Innovation.

Moreover, he said Lesotho faces many challenges but not many people grasp the fact that in a global financial crisis the countries of sub-Saharan Africa lose whatever advantages they have built during better times. The slide terror takes on a dangerous effect, creating unemployment and increasing poverty has plagued the African continent for many decades.

He also said Africa is known for civil wars and human conflict and these days of such depressing news of turmoil it pleases the heart to learn of how the Limkokwing University is working to empower the next generation of Africans with the means to build a better future for them.

“Lesotho in particular, I see some light at the end of the tunnel because of what Limkokwing University is endeavouring to do for our youths,” he noted.

“Because it is to our youth that we must turn to, may they have enlightened minds to build themselves a future for themselves, their families and the nation,” he said.

On the other hand, the Deputy Prime Minister Mothejoa Metsing stated that Limkokwing University since its establishment in 2008 admitted students who were a part of the huge backlog of senior secondary school graduates with good grades.

“They were stranded because they could not pursue higher education owing to lack of space in existing institutions in the country and the rising costs of sending students to study overseas limited the number that could be dispatched,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that he truly appreciates and heartily congratulates LUCT for the speed at which it has developed this corps of human resources that this country needs so urgently.

“I am confident the institution will continue to make a meaningful and significant impact to build its human capital,” he said.

The Minister of Education and Training Makabelo Mosothoane congratulated all the graduates and said education is about preparing students to take their place in society, “I must, therefore, applaud Limkokwing University for its dynamic approach to education,” she said.

She further noted that LUCT is exploiting new technology to create a digital economy, the digital infrastructure is important if they are to convert the inherent creativity of the people into economic growth.

Lastly the president of LUCT Dr Lim Kok Wing awarded Hon. Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane a Doctorate award for being the first political leader in the country who united the nation of Basotho.