08 Jun 2014

Residents of Kanye have welcomed the transformation of the Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) to a fully-fledged university.

They said the transformation was a milestone in the education system of the country, adding that the move would open new opportunities for the institution.

In a consultative meeting at Kanye main kgotla recently, residents applauded government for taking the initiative, saying the new university would be able to be a member of other academic networks more so that it would have its own governing body and other operational structures.

The fact that it was an associate institute of the University of Botswana, residents said,  did not have its own academic seal and qualifications, adding that it would now be able to have a number of faculties to offer challenging programmes in the sector of agriculture and related disciplines.

They also welcomed the new name, the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and that the location of the university at Sebele should not be changed.

However, residents were not happy that most youth were not interested in agriculture. Earlier BCA deputy dean Dr Boingotlo Sebolai said as a result of the transformation of the institution, which currently enrolls around 1 000 students, it was anticipated that the new university would enroll between 3 000 and 5 000 learners annually.

Dr Sebolai said the increase in enrolment would mean more students in tertiary institutions, thus contributing meaningfully to the Vision 2016 pillar of an educated and informed nation.

She said the university would be able to attract highly skilled local and international academic staff and foreign students. ENDS