The ceremony also recognized 63 international students from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Korea, and Japan, as well as 66 monks. A notable highlight was the awarding of honorary “red certificates” to 64 students, including 38 women, in recognition of academic excellence.

In his keynote address, NUOL Rector Mr. Dethanoulath Saengdouangdet reviewed the accomplishments of the university during the 2021–2025 curriculum cycle. He emphasized NUOL’s central role as Laos’ premier institution of higher learning, committed to producing graduates with knowledge, skills, revolutionary ethics, and academic excellence to support national socio-economic development and global integration.

Currently, NUOL comprises 13 faculties and 2 institutes, supported by a staff of 1,455, including 697 women. The university offers 255 academic programs: 13 at the doctoral level, 74 master’s programs (including 2 international), 119 bachelor’s programs (including 2 international), 44 continuing bachelor’s programs, and 5 associate degree programs. For the 2024–2025 academic year, graduates came from 3 doctoral programs, 38 master’s programs (including 1 international), 114 bachelor’s programs (including 22 continuing and 2 international), and 1 associate degree program.

Minister of Education and Sports Mr. Thongsalith Mangnomek also addressed the ceremony, underlining the critical role of human resource development in an increasingly globalized world. He noted the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the government’s commitment to long-term education policies aimed at fostering socio-economic progress, with human capital at the core.

“To achieve national prosperity, we must cultivate graduates with knowledge, expertise, discipline, patriotism, and revolutionary moral values,” the Minister stated. “They must be well-rounded professionals with strong values, good health, and a sense of responsibility to both themselves and the nation.”

Looking ahead, the Minister outlined key priorities, including strengthening scientific research, improving the quality of education and sports, and ensuring that students graduate with real expertise rather than simply earning degrees. He stressed the importance of nurturing young people who are both academically excellent and ideologically grounded.

Additional areas of focus include enhancing English-language education, encouraging graduates to pursue careers in their respective fields rather than relying solely on government employment, and accelerating human resource development in priority sectors such as agriculture, natural sciences, environmental protection, and water resource management.

The Minister concluded by expressing confidence that NUOL administrators, faculty, and graduates will continue to uphold the Party’s mission, contributing to national development as competent professionals and dedicated civil servants with strong political and revolutionary values.

KPL