12 Feb 2015

The University of Science and Technology (BIUST) academic year has commenced.

Welcoming the students during the official opening of the academic year, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow commended students for being the chosen few to step for the first time into the new state of the art institution.

Dr Dow said God had created human beings and equipped them with various skills, adding “you are fortunate to have been chosen and be recognised as intellectuals in science and engineering category.”

She told them that as BIUST first students, they are expected to excel and show out their various talents, and put this country in a map by portraying their potential in a well-accepted and respected manner.

Dr Dow said it was solely upon them as individuals to be what they want to be. “Your future is on your hands,” she said. The assistant minister urged them to be brave, as the world was run and led by brave great people who knew what they wanted to attain at the end.

She advised them to always present their grievances in a presentable manner, bearing in mind the concept of building and developing, rather than involving themselves in things that would not benefit them.

Dr Dow told students to turn the institution into their new home, and avoid pointing fingers as they too have responsibility to build this country.   She informed them that they were going to face some challenges, which they should turn into opportunities.

She also said they should know that they were part of Palapye residents, and were expected to fully participate in developmental projects such as attending kgotla meetings. She said through technological knowledge acquired from the university, government expects them to help the country to become productive.

In his welcome remarks, acting Vice Chancellor Professor John Cooke said BIUST has set itself high goals to become one of the best research universities on the continent-with developing a reputation for excellence in research and teaching noting that knowledge production and knowledge dissemination was their core business.

Students should play an enormous role towards building a smooth and successful conducive environment, he said.

He said government’s vision for the future of this country’s economy focuses on a massive increase in scientists and engineers, adding that Botswana needs to have knowledge based intensive economy in the next 20 year. That, he said could be achieved if the country produces scientists and engineers. ENDS