Maseru, Nov. 05 — The Principal Chief of Leribe, PC Joele Motsóene, has raised serious concern over the plight of Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) students who were sponsored by the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) between 2023 and 2024 but were unable to graduate due to unpaid tuition balances.
Chief Motsóene questioned the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, on whether he is aware that the institution increased its tuition fees without timely communication to the NMDS, leaving students stranded and unable to receive their certificates.
He demanded clarity on what measures the Ministry is taking to ensure affected students graduate without further delay and how future fee adjustments will be properly coordinated to prevent such setbacks.
In response, Professor Rapapa acknowledged the issue, explaining that while students who completed and passed in 2023 have received their certificates, the problem lies with those who finished in 2024, as the institution is withholding certificates over unpaid balances. . . .
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